Search ends after missing 2-year-old found dead near Marietta apartments
MARIETTA, Ga. - A 2-year-old was found dead near a Marietta apartment complex after he was reported missing on Friday afternoon, according to police.
What we know:
According to Marietta police, the body of Messiah Harris was found in the wood line of the apartment complex on Ridge Run.
Authorities first stated that Messiah was last seen at the apartment around 1:30 p.m., wearing blue and white striped pajamas with a long-sleeve top and long pants.
Marietta Police Department Public Information Officer Chuck McPhilamy stated that when officers first arrived at the apartment at 2 p.m., there were inconsistencies in information that was given.
"The statements that were made just didn't make sense or weren't consistent, causing investigators to be concerned…. Anytime a child goes missing, people's anxieties run really high," McPhilamy added. "So we had a task to determine what exactly took place, what was fact, and where we would go from there."
Hours later, Marietta police stated it was coordinating with several agencies to search the area for the child.
Police stated that it appears the mother was not home at the time of Messiah's disappearance, and officers said a male caregiver was watching the child at the time of his disappearance.
Officer McPhilamy stated the medical examiner will now investigate the child's death.
"Right now, this is just a tragic end to an active search that's been going on for hours here within our city," he said. "… This is the worst ending that we possibly could have asked for."
Messiah would have been 3 years old in just two weeks, according to authorities.
Officer McPhilamy stated that they are currently interviewing the mother and the caregiver at this time.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not confirmed how Messiah died or whether foul play was involved. The medical examiner must complete an investigation to determine the exact cause and timeline of death.
It is currently unknown if criminal charges will be filed against anyone involved.
Police have not confirmed the specific relationship between the caregiver watching Messiah and the child's family.
Authorities have not detailed what specific statements or inconsistencies given by the caregiver raised concern for investigators when the child was first reported missing.
The incident is still under investigation.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a press release from the Marietta Police Department and an interview with Officer Chuck McPhilamy.