Body of 6-month-old found near Riverdale apartment complex
Body of 6-month-old found; father remains sole suspect
The body of missing 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt has been found three days after his father reported to Clayton County police that the infant was abducted during a robbery. The grim discovery ends an 84-hour search for the twin. His sibling remains with their mother, who investigators believe is not connected to the case.
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - The body of missing 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt has been found three days after his father reported to Clayton County police that the infant was abducted during a robbery.
The grim discovery ends an 84-hour search for the twin. His sibling remains with their mother, who investigators believe is not connected to the case.
Antonio Pearce
Antonio Pearce named suspect in infant's disappearance
What we know:
Investigators returned to the apartment complex shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday to conduct another search. Officers spent much of the day reviewing evidence to determine the best place to continue the search.
At around 6:30 p.m., officials put up crime scene tape near the dumpster and around the woods adjacent to the apartment complex. It was apparent officers were searching the area.
6-month-old Nnakai Pratt is missing from Clayton County..
By 7 p.m., Clayton County police confirmed the discovery of the body of 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt.
Missing 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt
The backstory:
Police confirmed Monday that the baby’s father, Antonio Pearce, is now considered a suspect in his disappearance. Pearce was arrested that same day on unrelated charges, including possession of marijuana and multiple traffic violations.
Officers were first called to the apartment complex just after 8 a.m. Sunday for what Pearce described as an armed robbery and kidnapping. He told police he had been robbed at gunpoint for his valuables and that the robbers took his baby from a car seat before fleeing.
Detectives say inconsistencies in Pearce’s statements, along with evidence suggesting possible foul play, shifted the direction of the investigation. Court records show Pearce was previously charged in 2022 with simple battery and cruelty to children.
Investigators say they have searched the area around Valley Hill Road for hours on Sunday and Monday, using K-9 and cadaver dogs, but have found no trace of the missing infant.
Neighbors react to missing infant
What they're saying:
Neighbors in the community say the disappearance has shaken them. "It’s devastating for such a little child, helpless," said resident Tracy Karch. "I don’t think there’s going to be a good end to this."
Antonio Charmon Pearce | What we know
Antonio Charmon Pearce, the father of 6-month-old twin Nnakai Pratt, was arrested on Monday on unrelated charges, but was named by the Clayton County Police Department as the main suspect in the infants disappearance. On Sunday, Pearce reported the child was abducted during a robbery, but investigators said many of the details do not add up.
Neighbors described the heartbreaking discovery as devastating for the community.
"Honestly, I thought it was the worse situation. I was just praying that it wasn’t. I’m messed up about it," said neighbor Deondre Carpenter.
Another resident, LaMiracle Lipscomb, said, "We bring these kids into this world and expect them to be safe, to who they call their mom and dads."
What we don't know:
It is not clear if Pearce will now be charged in connection with the death and disappearance of his son.
Search for 6-month-old continues; father under scrutiny
The search for six-month-old Nnakai Pratt entered its third day Tuesday as Clayton County police continued combing through evidence and retracing steps around the Riverdale apartment complex where the baby was last seen. Investigators say they have searched the area around Valley Hill Road for hours on Sunday and Monday, using K-9 and cadaver dogs, but have found no trace of the missing infant.
What's next:
Pearce is expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday.
Police searching woods near site where baby went missing
Late Tuesday evening, Clayton County police put up crime scene tape and began searching a wooded area near where a 6-month-old was reported missing on Friday. Previously, police said they suspected the father had some involvement in the child going missing because his story kept changing.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of six-month-old Nnakai Pratt is urged to call 911 or contact the Clayton County Police Department.
The Source: FOX 5's Kim Leoffler spoke with residents who live around Valley Hill Road. Details in this article also come from the Clayton County Police Department and the Clayton County Sheriff's Office. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used.