HEBER-OVERGAARD — More than two months after 4-year-old Oliver Crook was reportedly last seen, his father, Jaylen Crook, continues searching for him. Court records reviewed by Mountain Daily Star indicate concerns that Oliver may be in danger and is being withheld in violation of court orders. Crook has sought assistance from law enforcement, the courts, and the public in hopes of locating and reuniting with his son.
According to court records, Oliver was last seen on March 9, 2026, with the birth mother Carla Manriquez. Four days later, on March 13, Crook filed a Petition to Enforce Parenting Time, seeking the return of his son and enforcement of existing court orders. The case would ultimately lead to multiple hearings, emergency motions, and court-issued warrants as the father continued efforts to locate and reunite with his son.
An evidentiary hearing was held on May 21, 2026, before Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Laura J. Giaquinto. Court records indicate Crook appeared with counsel, while respondent Carla Manriquez failed to appear despite receiving notice of the hearing.
The court found that Manriquez was not complying with existing parenting time orders and failed to bring the child to a court-ordered hearing. Based on testimony and evidence presented, Judge Giaquinto issued a Warrant to Take Physical Custody of the Child and awarded Crook temporary sole legal decision-making authority and physical custody of Oliver pending further proceedings.
The court order obtained by Mountain Daily Star directs law enforcement to immediately take physical custody of the child and deliver him to his father. The warrant further states, “Law enforcement officers are authorized to make a forcible entry at any hour into any private property to take physical custody of the child if required by exigent circumstances.”
Judge Laura J. Giaquinto found that Oliver Crook was being “unlawfully and illegally held in custody, confinement, or restraint” by Carla Manriquez. The court further found that Manriquez failed to appear with the child at a court-ordered hearing and that the father had court-ordered parenting time that had not been honored.
A second hearing was held on June 3, 2026. According to court records, Manriquez again failed to appear after being warned that her absence could result in a civil arrest warrant.
Judge Giaquinto granted the father’s request and issued a civil arrest warrant for Manriquez. The court further ordered that the temporary custody and legal decision-making orders remain in effect.
Court records also state the judge found that Oliver was likely to suffer serious physical injury or be removed from the State of Arizona if not immediately recovered. Crook believes that if Oliver is not found soon, his mother may take him to Mexico.
Oliver Crook is described as a 4-year-old boy with blonde hair and blue eyes. He stands approximately 3 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 40 pounds.
Oliver could be traveling with his mother, Carla Manriquez, and her boyfriend, Alex. Carla Manriquez is described as a 35-year-old woman with brown hair and brown eyes. According to the missing child flyer, she is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds.
They were last seen in Heber-Overgaard, Arizona. They could be in Heber-Overgaard, Winslow, Phoenix, or Mexico.
Crook is asking the public to help him find his son and bring him home.
Anyone with information regarding Oliver’s whereabouts should contact 911.
