In a recent development, authorities are investigating a family incident after the body of a child, believed to be that of missing 2-year-old Montrell Williams, was found near the Whitestone Bridge. Arius Williams, the 20-year-old father of the child, has been charged with two counts each of murder and manslaughter. The charges follow the release of a video that allegedly shows Williams throwing the child into the Bronx River, as reported by the New York Post.
The investigation into Montrell’s disappearance has been ongoing since May 10, when he was last seen alive. CBS News New York report detailed that the boy's mother had gone to family court after being unable to reach the father, culminating in a confrontation that left her in fear for her son's safety. The body, wrapped in a blanket and partially clothed, was recovered from the Bronx River approximately one month after Montrell was reported missing. The medical examiner is currently working to determine the cause of death.
Amid ongoing developments, a vigil was held by family members and others on a bridge over the Bronx River, where people gathered to honor Montrell’s memory. In an interview with CBS News New York, Montrell’s aunt, Alicia Williams, voiced a strong call for justice, stating, "I want to see him suffer like he made the baby suffer, for real, I want to see him suffer like he made the baby suffer."
The New York Police Department is undergoing an internal review concerning its response to the initial missing person report. "We are looking into the initial reports to the police department and of the missing child and how those were handled, but I want to be very clear: The NYPD takes any case of a missing person very seriously," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch was quoted saying by CBS News New York. Delays in releasing the missing child's photo to the public are among the actions currently under review as part of the investigation.
