A woman who abducted a baby boy from a Pennsylvania mall told police she lost her own baby son 7 weeks ago.
Cherie Amoore, 32, was arrested at her apartment complex about four hours after she kidnapped 7-week-old Ahsir Simmons from the King of Prussia Mall in Upper Merion Township on Thursday.
Moore told police she “felt like I was holding my son again,” according to court documents.
Police say Moore befriended Ahsir’s mother, Malika Turner, at the mall at 5:30 p.m. Moore took interest in the baby and asked Turner if she could hold him.
Turner told police she turned her back momentarily to use her cellphone and to tend to her other children. That’s when Moore walked off with Ahsir.
Surveillance footage from the mall shows Moore calmly walking out of the mall with Ahsir.
Police received a tip from Moore’s family that led them to the baby and Moore in Tredyffrin Township. Moore’s family told police Moore was showing the baby off.
Several online store baby registries in Moore’s name requested items such as a $62 engraved silver frame. Some of the items had been purchased.
Moore’s baby shower was held on December 19.
Ahsir’s mother tearfully thanked the police and the public for their help finding her son.
“I would like to thank God for allowing my baby to come back. And, I want to thank the Upper Merion Police Department, and everybody on social media that helped me get my baby back. I want to thank you so much.”
