A 1-year-old Florida boy who was reported missing on Sunday has been found dead in a septic tank, police announced on Monday.
Putnam County Sheriff H.D. Gator DeLoach said detectives discovered Jose Lara’s body in a septic tank which was covered by a board and brush. Detectives had reportedly drained the septic tank to find the toddler’s body.
According to WESH, the board covering the septic tank was rotted. Police believe Lara stood on the board — which broke and led to him becoming submerged.
On Sunday, Lara was playing outside with a sibling when their mother took the sibling inside to wash them up. The mother returned outside to find Lara was gone.
A missing person alert was issued after Lara’s disappearance. Police found his toys near the woods behind his home before he was found dead on Monday, according to WJXT.
Officials do not believe foul play was involved in Lara’s death.
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[Featured image: Jose Lara/Putnam County Sheriff’s Office]
