HOUSTON – An Amber Alert has been canceled after the toddler of a woman who was found dead in an apartment refrigerator was safely located in Mexico with his father, who was taken into custody.
Anastacia Oaikhena-Lambert was found stabbed to death Monday and an Amber Alert was issued for Achilles Lambert, her 11-month-old son.
Police were also working to locate the baby's father, 38-year-old Patrick Lambert, who was a person of interest in the case.
Late Friday, authorities canceled the Amber Alert after both were located in Mexico City. The baby is said to be safe and Lambert was arrested.
In an autopsy report that was released Wednesday afternoon, the Harris County Medical Examiner said Oaikhena-Lambert, who was 27 years old, died from stab wounds to the neck. The medical examiner was able to get in touch with her relatives with the help of the Nigerian consulate.
Oaikhena-Lambert's sister, who lives in Germany, told Local 2 Thursday she believed Patrick Lambert had already left the country.
"He has left, He has left but I know he will not go unpunished. I know the soul of my sister will haunt him," Anita Oaikhena said.
Homicide investigators with the Houston Police Department were called to the Braeswood Oaks Apartments Monday afternoon after reports that the woman's body had been found.
Oaikhena-Lambert had not been seen in a week, but some neighbors said they did not even know apartment 822 was occupied.
"I'm going to be honest, I didn't even think anybody lived there because I didn't see no activity or anything come in and out that house," said Nicole Barnes, a resident.
Barnes reported a terrible odor coming from the unit to some apartment maintenance workers who in turn called police, and that is when the body of Oaikhena-Lambert was found.
"I just told the maintenance, the people in the office, that something just smells dead," Barnes said. "I really felt bad that nobody came and checked on her. I'm just praying that the baby is found safe."
On Tuesday afternoon, investigators removed the white refrigerator where they found Oaikhena-Lambert's body stuffed inside. They said her body may have been there for up to three weeks.
Houston police told Local 2 on Sept. 2 police were called to the same apartment in reference to a domestic disturbance, but no charges were filed at that time.
"It was just a threat. A threat was made and she made a police report," said Sgt. Jason Robles.
Local 2 found a Linked in page believed to be the account for Oaikhena-Lambert. It says she was in Houston working from home as a customer care assistant for Xerox. One of the schools she attended was in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. According to the social media site, she took web courses as an intern in Bangkok, Thailand three years ago. Before that she interned as a writer for a few months.
Patrick Lambert is described black, about 5 feet 11 inches tall, and is originally from New York. There is no information at this time on what vehicle he may be driving. The missing infant, Achilles, is also described as black.
Police are now asking for the public's help in locating Patrick Lambert and the baby.
"It's going to be in the public's hands right now," Robles said. "Anybody who knows Mr. Lambert or the family is asked to call the homicide division."
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Houston Police Department at 713-308-3600.