By Islam El-Sakka
A Utah teenager who vanished in May 2025 has been found safe in Oregon, and a 39-year-old man has been detained in connection with her disappearance. Kylie Arellano, 15 at the time, disappeared from Garden City, Utah, after communicating online with individuals in multiple states, leaving her at risk for exploitation.
Discovery and arrest
On November 1, 2026, the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Rich County Sheriff's Department located Arellano in Oregon with the 39-year-old man. The man was taken into custody without incident; his name has not been released.
Mother's reaction
Arellano's mother, Stephanie Kaye, celebrated the news on Facebook, writing that her daughter was found safe on November 1, the day before her birthday.
Background and allegations
Search warrants reviewed by KUTV show that Arellano alleged in 2024 that her mother had choked her, a claim the mother denies. Police noted what appeared to be blood in the home, but the mother said it came from her daughter's cat fighting with neighborhood cats.
FBI director warns of 'gore groups'
FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement warning about online "gore groups" that share violent real-life media and target minors. The Department of Homeland Security defines these networks as groups that spread child sexual abuse material, murder, suicide, and other extreme content. Patel said the FBI is using every tool to combat such exploitation and bring offenders to justice.
