Florida authorities continue their search for two children who disappeared from their front yard in Jacksonville on Sunday.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Braxton Williams, 6, and Bri’ya Williams, 5, vanished from the 10200 block of West Beaver Street at around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, at the Paradise Village mobile home complex. The children were reported missing a few hours later, police said.
Police are asking for the public’s assistance as they search for a white, four-door car spotted playing loud children’s music. According to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Chief of Investigations T.K. Waters, the community tipped off authorities about the car. They believe an older white male was driving.
News 4 Jax reports that neighbor Kayla, who lives near the children, said that an older white man drove up to her children last week and started playing Spongebob Squarepants music.
“Last week, my kids were out playing, and I guess the lady across the street saw a white male in his 60s was staring at my kids playing. he said he was staring at them, and then drove up a little bit and then blared ‘SpongeBob’ music and put it in reverse and came back to where my kids were as if like he was trying to catch their attention.”
Waters said at this point, they want to find the man to simply ask him questions.
“We’re looking at every possibility,” Waters said. “We are more than concerned. We’re going to continue to search.”
Timeline of the Children’s Disappearance
Sunday, December 15
11:30 a.m.: The children’s father told police he last saw the children at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The children’s paternal grandmother said the father was only a few steps away from them in a kitchen and could see them from a window. Within minutes, they disappeared.
1:30 p.m.: After searching for the children for a few hours, the family contact 911.
5:15 p.m.: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issue an AMBER Alert for the children after officers didn’t find them during the first search.
Throughout Sunday night, numerous law enforcement officials and search teams, including K9 units and drones, search for the children.
11 p.m.: Neighbors in the area start a search for the children.
Monday, December 16
1 a.m.: Law enforcement officials were still out searching for the children.
4:05 a.m.: Authorities released additional photos of the children.
8:40 a.m.: Authorities announce that the parents found the red sweater Braxton was wearing inside their home. The clothing description is updated. It’s now unclear what shirt Braxton was wearing when he vanished.
12 p.m.: Sheriff Williams holds a press conference. He says everything is on the table at this point, including foul play.
Tuesday, December 17
11:00: Dozens of volunteers showed up to help, but authorities said it hampered their own search. They’re asking that no more volunteers show up at this time.
11:30 a.m.: Waters says over 430 homes in the community have been searched, as well as 20 bodies of water and over 100 acres. Cadaver dogs have not picked up any scents.
Braxton stands 3-feet-4-inches tall and weighs around 40 pounds. Bri’ya stands 3 feet tall and weighs around 30 pounds.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500.
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[Feature Photo: Braxton and Bri’ya Williams/Police Handout]
