INDIANAPOLIS — The search for a missing 16-year-old Indianapolis teen who disappeared near Broad Ripple last month is officially over as police have found his body.
IMPD confirmed on Saturday at around 1 p.m., a drone search was conducted in the 6300 block of Westfield Boulevard, and the body of a juvenile male, preliminarily identified as Robert “RJ” Williams, was submerged in the water. Divers with the Indianapolis Fire Department assisted in the recovery mission.
"This is a heartbreaking development in a case that has deeply affected our community," wrote IMPD in a release. "While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we are thankful for the tireless efforts of our detectives, our partners at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the IFD, and the many community members who came forward with information."
Robert "RJ" Williams Jr. was last seen on December 17 around 4:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of Broad Ripple Avenue. The teen, who has autism, was reported missing the same day.
The case took a significant turn when detectives and IMPD K9s found RJ's backpack and gym bag on a dock along the White River on December 18.
Based on recent developments in the investigation, detectives believe RJ likely fell into the river, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced. As a result, the case transitioned from a missing person search to a recovery mission.
The department said they are in close contact with RJ's family during this difficult time.
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