Atlas M. Kleiser, the 5-year-old Wisconsin boy who was the subject of a statewide missing-person alert, has been found safe alongside his biological mother, Carrie S. Murphy.
Authorities had launched a statewide search after Murphy allegedly failed to return Atlas to his father during a court-ordered custody exchange scheduled for September 30, 2026, at the New Lisbon Police Department.
Law enforcement later confirmed on October 1 that both Atlas and Murphy had been located and were safe. Officials did not immediately release additional information about where they were found or the circumstances surrounding their recovery.
Atlas M. Kleiser and His Mother Have Been Found Safe
The search for Atlas M. Kleiser ended safely after law enforcement confirmed that the 5-year-old and his mother had been located.
WBAY reported that police confirmed both Carrie Murphy and Atlas were safe, but authorities did not provide further details about the location where they were found or what happened between the custody exchange and their recovery.
WSAU also reported that both had been located safely following the statewide alert.
The confirmation brought an end to a search that had prompted authorities across Wisconsin to ask the public for assistance in locating the child.
What Led to the Statewide Search for Atlas Kleiser?
The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after Atlas was not returned during a scheduled custody exchange on Wednesday, September 30.
According to authorities, a Monroe County court order required Carrie S. Murphy, 39, to return Atlas to his father by 11 a.m. at the New Lisbon Police Department.
Murphy did not appear for the exchange. At approximately the same time, authorities said a camera in Jackson County recorded her vehicle traveling north.
The development prompted law enforcement to treat Atlas as a missing and endangered child and distribute information about the case across Wisconsin.
Authorities Traced the Pair Through Wisconsin
Investigators said Murphy was believed to be traveling with Atlas in a gray 2016 Kia Sportage bearing Wisconsin license plate BCP-1849.
Around 8:30 p.m. on September 30, deputies in Rusk County responded to a residence where Murphy and Atlas were believed to have been staying.
According to the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, they had left the location before officers arrived.
Officials said Murphy had connections to Monroe, Juneau, Sawyer and Rusk counties, which contributed to the decision to issue the alert statewide.
Statewide Alert Issued for the 5-Year-Old
As authorities worked to locate Atlas, Wisconsin residents were asked to remain alert for the child, Murphy and the vehicle associated with the case.
Atlas was described by authorities as a 5-year-old white boy with long blond hair. He was reported to be approximately 4 feet tall and weigh around 40 pounds.
Officials did not provide information about the clothing he was wearing when he disappeared.
The statewide alert significantly expanded public awareness of the search and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office.
Custody Exchange Was Central to the Investigation
Authorities said the case began in connection with a court-ordered custody arrangement.
Murphy was required under a Monroe County court order to return Atlas to his father on September 30.
When the scheduled exchange did not happen, law enforcement began attempting to locate both mother and child.
Reports citing the sheriff’s office said Murphy had previously been found in contempt in connection with the custody agreement.
Those circumstances formed part of the law-enforcement investigation, although authorities have not publicly announced what legal action, if any, may follow now that Atlas and Murphy have been found.
Details of Their Recovery Have Not Been Released
While the most important development is that Atlas has been found safe, several questions remain unanswered.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed exactly where Atlas and Murphy were located, who found them or whether either required medical attention.
Police also have not announced whether Murphy was detained, arrested or otherwise taken into custody following the discovery.
Because no official information has been released on those matters, claims circulating online about the circumstances of their recovery should not be treated as confirmed.
Public Assistance Helped Spread Awareness
Missing-child alerts often rely heavily on public awareness.
During the search for Atlas, law enforcement agencies and news organizations distributed photographs, a description of the vehicle and other identifying information in an effort to locate him quickly.
The statewide alert allowed residents across Wisconsin to know that authorities were actively looking for the child.
With Atlas now confirmed safe, any older social-media posts stating that he remains missing should be updated or removed to avoid spreading outdated information.
Respecting Atlas Kleiser’s Privacy
Atlas is only 5 years old, and the case involves a family custody matter.
Although some information was released publicly because authorities were trying to locate him, many details about his family circumstances remain private.
Now that he has been found, attention should remain focused on his safety rather than speculation about his parents or the details of the custody dispute.
Information about children involved in family court matters can be particularly sensitive, and further details should come only from law enforcement, court records or authorized family representatives.
What Has Been Confirmed
The following information has been publicly confirmed:
- Atlas M. Kleiser is 5 years old.
- A statewide Wisconsin alert was issued after he was reported missing.
- Atlas was believed to be traveling with his biological mother, Carrie S. Murphy.
- Murphy was expected to return Atlas to his father during a court-ordered custody exchange on September 30, 2026.
- The scheduled exchange did not occur.
- Murphy’s vehicle was later observed traveling north through Jackson County.
- Authorities later searched for the pair across several areas of Wisconsin.
- Atlas and Carrie Murphy were located on October 1, 2026.
- Both were reported safe.
What Has Not Been Publicly Announced
At the time of publication, authorities had not publicly disclosed:
- The exact location where Atlas and Murphy were found.
- How investigators located them.
- How long they had been at the location where they were found.
- Whether Murphy was arrested or detained.
- Whether criminal charges will be filed.
- Whether there will be changes to the existing custody arrangement.
- Any additional private details regarding Atlas or his family.
Those details should not be assumed until they are confirmed by law enforcement or another official source.
A Statewide Search Ends With Atlas Safe
The disappearance of a young child can create significant concern for relatives, law enforcement and the wider community.
In this case, the statewide search concluded with the outcome many had hoped for: Atlas M. Kleiser was located alive and safe.
While questions remain about the events that prompted the alert and what may happen next in the custody matter, authorities have confirmed that the immediate search for the 5-year-old is over.
For now, the most significant confirmed development is that Atlas is safe.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information released by law enforcement and established Wisconsin news organizations regarding the search for Atlas M. Kleiser. Earlier reports described Atlas as missing and endangered, but authorities subsequently confirmed on October 1, 2026, that Atlas and Carrie S. Murphy had been located and were safe. Details regarding where they were found, possible arrests, criminal charges or future custody proceedings had not been publicly announced at the time of publication. This article does not speculate about private family circumstances or unverified claims.