As the search continues for missing Oklahoma girl Athena Brownfield, authorities have arrested both her caretaker, Alysia Adams, and her husband, Ivon Adams. Four-year-old Athena was reported missing on Tuesday, though it's possible she was missing before then. A postal worker found her 5-year-old sister, Adina Brownfield, wandering outside alone and contacted authorities.
It was at that time that police realized another child was missing and the ongoing search for Athena ensued. Alysia Adams, 31, was arrested on child neglect charges at the Grady County Sheriff’s Office late Thursday afternoon, per the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, while Ivon Adams was tracked down in Phoenix and arrested on a fugitive charge, according to ABC 7 News.
Athena's sister was found outside Alysia Adams' home.
The two girls were reportedly in the care of Alysia and Ivon Adams at the time they went missing. Athena's sister, Adina, was found wandering alone outside the Adams residence in Cyril, Oklahoma, according to the OSBI. Authorities believe it's possible Athena went missing as early as January 6. Adina is now in state protective custody as the search for Athena continues.
Very few details regarding the sisters' parents have been released to the public, but some reports indicate that the children my have been in foster care.
Their biological family has not had contact with them for some time.
Their paternal grandmother, Penny Brownfield, told ABC 7 News that she has not seen the girls in more than a year since their biological mother abandoned them and that all communication has to go through DHS.
“We know where [she]’s at, she’s safe, but they won’t let us see her. We have to go through DHS, so … It’s a long backstory, you know, and it’s kind of personal,” Brownfield said of Adina.
“I don’t know what I can do to help. I’m thankful that all these people are here to help find her. Other than that, I don’t know what else to do or say,” she continued.
The Adams' relationship to the girls is unclear.
The couple have four children, but they may have been separated at the time of Athena's disappearance. Alysia Adams' TikTok profile indicates she was attempting to become a beauty influencer. Some of her videos feature her biological children, but it doesn't appear that Athena and Adina were in any of them.
People have taken to TikTok to question Alysia Adams about Athena's disappearance.
"You’re disgusting! Another Casey Anthony is what you are! I hope they keep your a– locked up," one comment reads. "How could you leave to innocent little girls home alone to defend for themselves? Just so you can go out and spread your legs. I hope you lose all of your rights to your other kids!"
Several others simply question, "Where is Athena?"
Authorities have received many tips regarding Athena's disappearance.
"The search for Athena continues. The OSBI is following every tip that is received, which are coming in from Oklahoma, as well as other states," read a statement posted Thursday afternoon on Facebook. "In an effort to find clues as to Athena’s whereabouts, the trash service in Cyril was suspended. Additionally, analysts are reviewing surveillance video from around Cyril and seeking other evidence that can help locate Athena."
