New York authorities have launched an intense investigation into the disappearance of 11-year-old Jacob Pritchett, an autistic child who is nonverbal and requires specialized care. Jacob has not been seen for nearly two months, according to officials.
The case began on September 25th when a neighbor reported that the child had not appeared at his usual spot by the apartment window—where he was often seen playing alone. Concerned that something was wrong, the neighbor contacted Child Protective Services.
When investigators arrived at the apartment, the boy’s mother refused to cooperate. She claimed she lived alone, denied ever having a child, and insisted that no one else resided in the home. Because of the conflicting statements and the neighbor’s report, authorities called police to gain entry.
Inside the apartment, Jacob was nowhere to be found. Detectives questioned the mother again, but she continued to insist that she had no children. Records later confirmed that she does, in fact, have an 11-year-old son.
To assist the investigation, authorities brought in a police dog, which alerted them to possible evidence inside the home. Officers noted that certain areas required further forensic testing, and the mother was taken into custody for questioning.
Jacob has now been officially listed as a missing child, and law enforcement agencies across the state have joined the search. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Jacob—or has information about his whereabouts—to come forward immediately.
The case has left neighbors deeply shaken, and child-advocacy groups are calling for a rapid and thorough investigation to determine what happened to the young boy.
