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.
-
University of Indianapolis launches new Behavioral Health Trauma certificate
The certificate specifically focuses on mental health professionals who plan to provide trauma counseling. It is obtained after three courses and nine total credit hours.
Josh Downs, Anthony Richardson team up to give Colts offense a jolt of energy
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs welcomed last week's announcement that Anthony Richardson would return as Indy's starting quarterback.
Barrett scores season-high 39 as Raptors snap losing streak, beat Pacers 130-119
Benedict Mathurin scored 17 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Pascal Siakam had 25 points and 10 rebounds against his former team as the Pacers lost for the third time in four games.
New era of college football could help other teams replicate Indiana's rise
Indiana has made the type of turnaround that had only happened once before at the power-conference level over the last decade.
