WASHINGTON COUNTY — Indiana State Police are asking for the public's help to identify a young boy who was found dead in a wooded area in Washington County Saturday, April 16.
According to state police, a resident mushroom hunting around 7:30 p.m. in the eastern part of the county when they located the body of a child between the ages of five and eight years old near a roadway.
Troopers described the area as a very rural, heavily wooded area with not a lot of houses nearby.
Investigators have not been able to determine the identity of the young boy.
"Right now that's the #1 point of this investigation — to find out who this child is," ISP said Monday. "He deserves to be heard."
He's described as a young, Black male between the ages of five and eight years old.
"Somebody was taking care of him; he was in somebody's custody and care for his daily needs and for support," troopers said. "Somebody out there either knows and isn't saying something or just hasn't had the opportunity to see this in the media yet and they don't know that they need to call somebody ... we need your help."
The child is approximately four feet tall and has a slim build and a short haircut. Investigators believe the boy died sometime within the last week.
ISP provided an update on the case Monday.
The child's cause and time of death will be determined by the coroner. Once autopsy results come back, troopers say a more specific age could be available.
ISP says it's contacted schools and other local agencies to inquire about a child who didn't show up, but there haven't been any matches.
"This could obviously be a national thing; it could be a child from any location," ISP said. "Somebody out there knows the answer to this question."
A national tip line has been established: 1-888-437-6432. The post's 800 number only works within the State of Indiana.
You can also contact Detective Matt Busick with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg at 1-812-248-4374 or 1-800-872-6743.
-
Autism advocates voice concerns after report details revenue shortfall
The disabilities community is worried that looming budget cuts could jeopardize critical services for individuals with disabilities.Bill that would increase the I-465 speed limit moves to Braun's desk
A new bill under consideration may soon increase the speed limit on Interstate 465 from 55 miles per hour to 65 miles per hour, generating mixed reactions from local drivers and officials.Authorities provide update on HSE grad, Mason Alexander crash investigation
Authorities have provided an update in an investigation into the March crash that killed Mason Alexander, a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate and University of Pittsburgh football player.Young Men Inc. starts 30th year of impacting Indy’s youth
For the last 30 years, Reverend Walker has worked to change the outlook for Indy’s youth by providing positive things for kids to do in the summer.