Unsolved Mysteries: Abducted by a Parent – Who is Aziz Khan and what happened to him? Details of the 2017 incident, explored

Unsolved Mysteries covered a case from November 2017. It is about Aziz Khan, who was abducted when he was 7 by his non-custodial mother, Rabia Khalid, from Atlanta, Georgia.

The kidnapping triggered general alarm and soon became a focal point in the ongoing debate over custodial kidnappings across the U.S. It was not just an abduction—it occurred as part of a bitterly contested custody battle, so the case was all the more perilous. With rumors of international flights, official documents eventually confirmed that the case remained exclusively within U.S. borders.

The story drew new attention as part of the 2022 Unsolved Mysteries series, Abducted by a Parent. The inclusion of the word "abducted" in the heading underscored the gravity of a real crisis. But then, the most important facts were still unknown to the public. Years went by before the reality was revealed in February 2025—Aziz was safe in Colorado after being missing for over seven years. Here's a close look at the actual timeline, legal procedures, and verified facts of the case.

The vanishing from Atlanta, Georgia

As shown in Unsolved Mysteries, Aziz Khan was last spotted in Atlanta, where his mother had just moved from New Orleans a day or so before the kidnapping. On the day she was to return Aziz to his father, Abdul Khan, she disappeared with the child. Rabia Khalid, having no right to custody, went against a court order to return Aziz to his father by taking him without permission, prompting authorities to issue a nationwide alert and a felony kidnapping warrant.

The case was initially surrounded by misinformation, with the initial public speculation suggesting that Rabia might have traveled outside the country. There was no concrete evidence, however, to substantiate the claim, and official investigations revealed nothing indicating overseas travel.

Domestic custody dispute

According to Unsolved Mysteries, Abdul Khan had lawful custody of Aziz when the child was kidnapped. There had been constant court hearings regarding the subject of the custody agreement, and Rabia Khalid had limited parental rights only. Despite that, she was permitted to visit Aziz from time to time. Police categorized the offense as a parental kidnapping under Georgia state law and followed leads across the country.

This was not an issue of a missing or unengaged parent suddenly appearing on the scene—it was a product of a controversial court process in which boundaries were disregarded and a child was placed at risk.

Recovery in Colorado and arrests

In February 2025, almost eight years after the search for Aziz had started, Aziz Khan was located in Colorado. He lived with Rabia Khalid and her boyfriend, Elliot Blake Bourgeois, under an alias. Both adults were apprehended and charged with various felonies, including kidnapping and custodial interference. Officials confirmed that Aziz was physically unharmed.

Once recovered, Aziz was taken into protective custody and later reunited with his father. The probe concluded without traces of international travel, confirming the entire ordeal was conducted within the borders of the United States. There was no need for international law enforcement or diplomatic intervention, as previously assumed by part of the public.

Impact of Unsolved Mysteries and public involvement

The 2022 Unsolved Mysteries episode kept the case in the public eye. While it cannot be said to have directly resulted in Aziz's recovery, it helped to increase awareness. The program highlighted the emotional toll on Abdul Khan and encouraged tips from the public. In the end, however, the finding of Aziz appeared to be the result of ordinary investigation and not viewer tips.

Nonetheless, the program reminded everyone of the persistent issue of abductions perpetrated by parents.

Case closure and family's request

With Aziz safely in custody with his father, the case was officially closed. Khalid and Bourgeois are both being prosecuted. The family has also requested to be left alone while they begin the daunting process of healing and rebuilding their lives after years of loss and uncertainty.

This is a cautionary story of how such custody disputes in the home can get out of control and become criminal activity with long-term emotional consequences.

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Aziz Khan's story, previously an unsolved tragedy showcased on Unsolved Mysteries, is now a solved but sad reminder of how much time can pass before justice and closure are achieved. His recovery marks the end of one sad chapter—and the beginning of a lengthy road to healing for all parties involved.

Also read: Unsolved Mysteries: Top 10 solved cases from the Netflix show

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