The New Orleans Police Department has launched an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old boy…..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Bryan Vasquez’s body was found Tuesday in a New Orleans East lagoon 12 days after he was reported missing.
The nonverbal autistic boy’s remains surfaced in water not far from where his family reported him missing on Aug. 14.
Authorities said the Orleans Parish Coroner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of his death.
Cadaver dogs had joined the search in Louisiana for missing 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez.
“This is indeed a profoundly sad day, but a day for some closure,” New Orleans Police Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick said. “Many people are grieving, including the family.”
According to Kirkpatrick, members of the United Cajun Navy discovered Bryan’s body with the aid of a thermal drone.
Police said the boy’s body was about 200 yards from where he likely entered the lagoon near his home.
Louisiana State Police troopers, New Orleans officers and federal agents had walked door-to-door in the neighborhood, searching for any clues as to Bryan’s disappearance.
The United Cajun Navy said volunteers with their organization brought in search dogs from five different states, as well as boats equipped with sonar to canvass the area.
“We knew that the dogs were hitting in several areas. We just never could recover. We knew time was getting to the point where we might be able to find him,” Todd Terrell, with the United Cajun Navy, said. “We told the mother we were going to stay here until we thought we needed to go home.”
Search operations included ground teams, airboats, drones and investigative units combing targeted areas, police said.
Police also credited support from the Louisiana State Police, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, several parish sheriff’s offices and numerous community groups.
New Orleans police acknowledged the pain the community is feeling, but said the case is not closed. Kirkpatrick said the boy’s death is considered unclassified for now and that investigators have not ruled out foul play.
“We’re looking at everyone’s situation, their history, their backgrounds, based on what we’ve been told,” she said. “That’s why all facts have to be put into context, but there is no suspect. Circumstances are what we have now.”
Kirkpatrick said the NOPD is investigating the department’s own response time, which appears to have included a delay of nearly five hours before an officer arrived the day Bryan was reported missing.
“I think the death of Bryan is a failure,” Kirkpatrick said. “I think it is. We are going to look at everything, and I mean everything.”
The NOPD confirmed on Tuesday evening that a search warrant had been served for a phone in connection with the case, but did not say whose phone was being searched.
Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is conducting its own investigation.
Cristiane Rosales-Fajardo, a family spokesperson, has started an online fundraising effort to help with funeral expenses and legal representation.
Authorities are asking anyone with further information on the case to call 911 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111…..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
