Nationwide — Montrell Williams, a 2-year-old African American boy from the Bronx, New York, was reported missing over a month ago. On Wednesday, police found a child’s body in the East River believed to be his. His father, Arius Williams, now faces murder and manslaughter charges.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Arius, 20, throwing Montrell off a Bronx River bridge. The toddler was in his custody under a visitation order. Police began searching the area Monday and found the body near Ferry Point Park just after noon Wednesday.
Montrell was last seen on May 10 in Hunts Point with his father. On May 30, the boy’s mother went to family court, saying she couldn’t reach Arius. She contacted authorities again this week after a confrontation left her fearing for her son’s safety.
Arius was initially charged with custodial interference. On Thursday, he was arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court and held without bail after being deemed a flight risk.
Family and community members held a vigil on a Bronx River bridge Wednesday night. Montrell’s step-grandfather, Leroy Burton, and aunt, Alicia Williams, expressed grief and anger over the tragedy.
“He’s responsible for it. He’s responsible for this,” Alicia Williams told CBS News. “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.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said an internal review is underway to examine how the case was handled, including delays in releasing Montrell’s photo to the public. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry said any lapses will be part of the investigation.
