SOUTH BEND — A woman who went missing along with her infant son was found dead Tuesday evening, and the child has been taken to a local hospital, ABC affiliate WBND-LD reports.
The body of Alexis Morales, 27, was found in South Bend, while 5-month-old Messiah Morales was transported for treatment of hypothermic injuries. He's expected to recover, WBND reports.
Earlier in the day, a vehicle that matches the model and plate number of one that belongs to Alexis Morales was found late Tuesday near the intersection of South Kaley and West Huron streets, which is on the west side of South Bend, WBND reports. Messiah was found in the vehicle.
"When the officers arrived on scene and they reached in and they found him alive, they immediately scooped him up, cared for him, gave him love and got him to the hospital," police said Tuesday.
South Bend Police say this case is a homicide investigation.
"It was clear immediately while dealing with processing the scene and seeing Alexis; it was clear that it became a homicide scene," police said.
The baby is still at the hospital and with family. Alexis' autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
"This is taking a physical and psychological toll on our officers and our detectives," South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski said. "Somebody knows [what happened]. Absolutely 100% somebody knows. Matter of fact, I would bet my life that more than one person knows what happened."
Alexis and Messiah Morales were last seen about 6 p.m. a week ago in South Bend.A statewide Silver Alert was declared in their disappearances on Monday, April 18.
Police say an Amber Alert would not have realistically been issued because Messiah was believed to be with his mother. According to the State of Indiana,one of the Amber Alert criteria is that the child must be believed to be abducted and in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
The pair was last seen in a silver 2006 BMW X5 SUV with Indiana license plate MULALUV, according to the alert.
Anyone with information on Messiah is asked to call 911 or the Elkhart Sheriff's Office at 574-533-4151.
-
No. 13 Purdue rediscovers strong post presence in win over No. 2 Alabama
Purdue’s plan post-Edey doesn’t appear to have changed much. It still centers around a hefty dose of getting the ball into the paint - as Alabama coach Nate Oats learned again Friday night.
Hundreds of local students go holiday shopping for kids in need
Hundreds of local students have already done some holiday shopping, but they won’t be taking the gifts home. They’ll be giving them to local families and kids in need.
Drug overdose deaths down in U.S. for first time since 2018
The U.S. saw a 14.5 percent decline in drug overdose death in the last year. Marion County also saw fewer overall overdose deaths.
Silver Alert issued for missing 52-year-old from Warsaw
A Silver Alert has been issued for a 52-year-old woman from Warsaw, Indiana. Police said she's been missing since Oct. 28 and may be in danger.
