Emmanuel Kalief Birts was an infant abducted in 1989 by a woman posing as a social worker. His photo is shown age-progressed to 26 years.
Case[]
Emmanuel was born on August 4 and was taken home from the hospital on August 11, 1989. The next day, a woman using the name Debra Manning visited his home, where he lived with his mother, Kisha, and grandmother, Hermane Grady. She claimed to be a social worker making a follow-up visit and correctly told them that Emmanuel had an eye infection.
The woman visited again, a month later, on September 12. She stated that Emmanuel may have HIV, which was possible because Kisha had used drugs during her pregnancy. On September 13, she arrived with a letter, allegedly from the Child Welfare Department, stating that Emmanuel needed to be taken to the hospital for HIV testing. She wanted to take him immediately, but would not let Kisha come, and agreed to come pick him up the next day.
On September 14, 1989, Debra arrived at the residence, but then left, saying she needed to get a car seat. She returned, and his grandmother gave Emmanuel to her at 10:00 a.m. She promised to be back by 2:00 p.m., but never returned; Emmanuel was reported missing around 8:00 p.m. that night. She did not take his eye medication with her.
Hermane Grady did know a social worker named Debra Manning, but she was interviewed by the police and is not considered a suspect in Emmanuel’s abduction. Child Protective Services had not authorized his removal from the home for any reason. His abductor is believed to have obtained his medical records and may have had a history as a con artist. She always wore a white lab coat and green surgical pants.
Emmanuel’s abductor is described as an African-American woman in her thirties, about 5'6 and 145 pounds. Her hair was sandy brown, but may have been a wig and she wore heavy blue eyeshadow. She spoke with a heavy foreign, possibly African, accent. She also claimed to own a van, but none of Emmanuel's family members saw the vehicle.
Kisha and Emmanuel’s father both later tested negative for HIV, meaning that Emmanuel could not have had it. They are not considered suspects in his disappearance.
Characteristics[]
- Black hair.
- Brown eyes.
- Had an eye infection at the time of his abduction.
Clothing[]
- Red, white, and blue checkered shirt.
- Light blue shorts with red trim.
- Red and white socks.