Khaleesi was not reported missing until September. At the time of her disappearance, she was in the care of Candi Jo Royer and lived with her in Waynesboro, Virginia. Khaleesi's mother, Amanda G. Arey, had placed her daughter in Royer's care in October 2020, while Arey was incarcerated. When she was reported missing, she was believed to be with Travis Brown, who had been a fugitive. Royer and Brown were located in Pennsylvania on September 12, and arrested. They had driven there in a stolen car and were hiding in a motel. They did not have Khaleesi and initially claimed workers with Shenandoah Valley Social Services had taken her but later stated she had died after accidentally striking her head, and he wrapped her body in a blanket and put it in the trash. In August 2023, Brown was convicted of aggravated murder, felony murder and child abuse in her death.