UPDATE: Toddler found safe after mom fled with fugitive boyfriend

Wednesday morning, The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said 2-year-old Anthony Stroder was found safe. Stroder had been missing since Jan. 27. Authorities say Stroder was found with his mother while crossing into the United States from El Paso.

Below is the statement from Oklahoma DPS.

On March 7th at approximately 10:30 a.m., 2-year-old Anthony Stroder was recovered crossing into the United States from Mexico with his mother, Katelyn Thornton. Stroder was the subject of an Endangered Missing Advisory issued on February 8. They were stopped by Customs and Border Patrol at a border crossing station in El Paso.

Stroder’s biological mother did not show up for a custody court date. Thornton is currently being detained by the El Paso Police Department. The child’s father has temporary emergency custody and is going to El Paso to retrieve the child.

The Midwest City Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol worked with numerous police and sheriff’s departments as well as federal partners to recover the child.

Aurelio Cardenas, who was also included in the Advisory, currently has an active warrant out of Potter County, Texas.

The attorney for the father and family sent News 9 the following statement.

The family of Anthony Stroder is elated and relieved to announce that Anthony has been safely recovered. Earlier today, March 7, 2025, Border Patrol agents successfully detained and recovered Anthony and his mother as they attempted to cross the border, potentially to disappear into Mexico.

Anthony was kidnapped in early January by his mother and Aurelio Cardenas, sparking a multi-state search. Since then, law enforcement agencies across several jurisdictions have worked tirelessly alongside the family to bring this young boy home.

Jordan Stroder, Anthony’s father, and the entire Stroder family extend their deepest gratitude to all who played a role in this recovery. From the dedicated law enforcement officials who pursued every lead to the media outlets that helped spread awareness, and to the countless individuals who shared information or provided tips—every effort made a difference.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time for our family, but today we are grateful beyond words,” said Jordan Stroder. “Anthony is coming home, and that’s what matters most. Thank you to everyone who stood with us, prayed for us, and helped bring my son back.”

The family asks for privacy as they reunite with Anthony and focus on his well-being. Any further inquiries can be directed to their legal representative, Attorney Kelly Lynn.

Past Coverage

Anthony Stroder, 2, was reported missing on Jan. 27. Investigators believe the child is with his non-custodial mother Katelyn Thornton, 22, and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Aurelio Cardenas, a registered sex offender from Texas.

“I can't imagine my child being out there, not knowing where he is, knowing he's with someone dangerous,” said Kelly Lynn, the father’s attorney, “It's hard to wrap your head around.”

Toddler still missing after mom flees with fugitive boyfriend

Anthony Stroder, 2, of Midwest City

Katelyn Thornton, 22, of Midwest City, OK

Aurelio Cardenas, 26, of Amarillo,TX

Claudia Cardenas, 50, Amarillo,TX

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A Father’s Worst Nightmare

Anthony’s parents shared custody after their split in December 2024. Anthony’s father, Jordan Stroder, filed for emergency custody when one month later, citing concerns over Thornton’s boyfriend, Aurelio Cardenas - a sex offender from Amarillo, Texas. Court records reveal Cardenas was convicted for online solicitation of a minor in 2019. By the time the emergency custody order was served on January 26, it was too late. Thornton had already vanished with Anthony - he was reported missing the next day.

The Warnings Signs

Court records also include frantic text messages from Thornton’s own family, warning the father that she planning to move to Amarillo, Texas, with Cardenas — no matter what anyone said.

“You could at least make it where she has to choose between Anthony or chomo,” one message read, using prison slang for a child predator. “With the way Katelyn is anymore, I don't recognize her.”

Thornton’s family also reported alarming behavior from Cardenas — including an alleged attempt to choke a teenage relative — raising further red flags about the danger Anthony could be facing.

Timeline of Disappearance

1. January 24, 2025: Father files for emergency custody.
2. January 26, 2025: Mother served with paperwork.
3. January 27, 2025: Anthony last seen with his mother.
4. January 28, 2025: Emergency custody hearing set — Thornton fails to appear.
5. January 30, 2025: Emergency custody granted to the father.
6. February 8, 2025: Emergency Missing Advisory (E.M.A.) and Kasey Alert activated.
7. February 14, 2025: Couple’s abandoned car found in Amarillo, Texas — stripped of license plate.
8. February 21, 2025: Aurelio Cardenas' mother, Claudia Cardenas, arrested for tampering with evidence.
9. March 7, 2025: Anthony was found safe.

On the Run and Off the Radar

Investigators believed the couple was bouncing between Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.

“We believe people are helping them stay hidden,” Lynn said when the search was still ongoing. He also criticized the Potter County District Attorney’s Office for refusing to cut a deal with Claudia Cardenas in exchange for information on Anthony’s whereabouts.

“When I know a child is out there, and this person knows where they are, I don’t care what deal I have to make to get that kid back,” Lynn said. “I’m very disappointed in any human being, whether elected DA or not, that would not make that decision.”

Desperate Pleas for Anthony’s Safe Return

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare, not knowing where your child is but knowing they are with someone dangerous," Lynn said, "She [Anthony’s mother] created this situation and I hope she faces consequences, but the only thing that matters right now is getting him home safely.”

Thornton, at last check, is not charged with a crime in connection to the child's disappearance.

A warrant was issued for Aurelio Cardenas in Texas for failing to register as a sex offender.

Authorities believed the couple was relying on a network of people to help them stay hidden.