A massive search in Clayton County ended in heartbreak on Monday when rescue crews recovered the body of 6-year-old Ramon "RJ" Jett from a pond next to a Riverdale apartment complex. The nonverbal child had been reported missing Sunday after relatives woke from a nap and found the front door open. Authorities say detectives are still working to piece together what led to his death.
Search and recovery
Search teams pulled Ramon from a pond beside the Sutter Lake Apartments at 8104 Webb Road, according to 95.5 WSB. He was last seen Sunday between 11:30 a.m. and noon in the 8000 block of Webb Road, and officers brought in K-9 units, drones and a dive team to scour the area, as reported by CBS Atlanta. The Clayton County Police Department has confirmed Ramon's recovery and says the case remains an active investigation.
Family's account and search effort
Ramon's mother, Ashleigh Harris, told FOX 5 Atlanta that the children woke up from a nap to find the apartment door open and that Ramon had been swimming the day before. "Everybody just got into search mode," she said. Police urged neighbors to look in yards, sheds and wooded spots and to call 911 immediately with any possible sightings.
Investigation and community response
The Clayton County Police Department said "RJ’s family has been notified" and that detectives are working to determine how the 6-year-old ended up in the water, according to 95.5 WSB. The department publicly thanked law enforcement partners, volunteers and community groups that joined the search and asked the public to give the family space as they grieve. Officials say more details will be released as the investigation allows.
The community response was immediate, with neighbors and volunteers fanning out alongside officers through the night and into Monday. Local outlets, including FOX 5 Atlanta, are expected to update coverage as police share additional information.
