Jump directly to the content
TWIN TALE

Who are the Kilshaw twins, where are they now and what happened to them?

Kiara and Keyara were just six months old when they were handed over for £8,200 to Judith and Alan Kilshaw back in 2001.

TWIN girls Kiara and Keyara, traded after being sold on the internet to a British couple 18 years ago, have been found.

Here's the Kilshaw twins story that stunned the world in 2001.

 The twins - pictured in 2001 - were born in the United States and were sold twice over the internet
3
The twins - pictured in 2001 - were born in the United States and were sold twice over the internetCredit: Reuters

Who are the Kilshaw twins?

Kiara and Keyara Wecker were just six months old when they were handed over for £8,200 to Judith and Alan Kilshaw back in 2001.

The Sun exclusively revealed the story after the girls were taken back to Buckley, North Wales, by the couple.

But despite a seemingly happy ending with their new solicitor parents - the tots were plunged into a grim fight for their custody.

It was sensationally revealed that their birth mum Tranda Wecker had previously sold them to another set of parents back in the US.

 Police and social services pictured removing the babies from their adoptive parents Alan and Judith Kilshaw in 2001
3
Police and social services pictured removing the babies from their adoptive parents Alan and Judith Kilshaw in 2001Credit: Reuters

What happened to them?

The twins were first bought for £4,000 by Californians Richard and Vickie Allen, who began to raise them as their own.

But two months later they were snatched back by their mum and sold for twice as much to Brits Alan and Judith.

The two families both then claimed the tots were theirs and were at war over the girls' future.

 The Sun exclusively revealed the grim story behind the twins adoption back in 2001
3
The Sun exclusively revealed the grim story behind the twins adoption back in 2001Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The babies - named Belinda and Kimberley by the Kilshaws - were brought into Britain on holiday visas and their new parents were made wards of the court by their council in North Wales.

However, following the involvement of the FBI, a trans-Atlantic legal battle was launched and the girls were eventually returned to the States where they were found a new foster family in Missouri.

Where are they now?

 reports the "flourishing" girls  - now 18  and living under new names - are studying social sciences at a university in the US.

Their adoptive mum told the paper how they have grown into "fine young women, each with their own dreams and ambitions".

She said: "At times it has been tough, sure it has, but they are our babies and we cannot be more proud of them."

Their adoptive dad, 72, told the Mirror: "I felt it was my duty to take them. They brought them straight from the airport to our home and we have never looked back since."

According to their adoptive parents, the girls are allowed to meet their birth mum but do not want to.

They grew up playing sports, including lacrosse and basketball, and are now playing in their university band.

The girls enjoy similar interests, but Keyara is described as outgoing while Kiara is more shy.

The sisters live at home with their adoptive family but are hoping to move out soon.


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Topics