New York police are investigating the discovery of a male body in the East River in NYC, reportedly confirmed by family members as one of two boys missing out of Harlem.
The body was spotted by multiple people near the Madison Avenue Bridge, ABC 7 reports. Law enforcement subsequently retrieved the body from the water. Preliminary assessments based on the body’s physical appearance and clothing linked it to one of the boys, police said, although an official identification is pending.
A family member told ABC 7 that the body found is of Garret Warren, 13.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Alfa Barrie, 11, and Garrett were seen together Friday night on security camera at Ana’s Fish Market on 145th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem, at around 6 p.m. An employee saw the boys inside the store, where they made a small purchase. The worker noted that the boys are regular customers of the shop.
Garrett Warren’s mother, Dayshell Moore, told CBS New York that she’s not angry with anyone. She just wants the boys to come home.
“We are not angry at anyone. We’re not trying to press charges or arrest anyone at all. We just want to find these two boys and bring them back home,” she said.
Moore said the boys went out Friday night and returned to Garrett’s home in Harlem around 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning for him to change clothes. She said they left again to play basketball and didn’t return.
Meanwhile, Alfa’s sister, Fatima Diallo, said she hasn’t heard from him since Friday. He attended school at Democracy Prep that day and left shortly after noon. The plan was for him to meet his 14-year-old sister, who attends the same school, and walk home together.
Alfa failed to meet his sister, which raised the initial concern that something was amiss.
“This is something he has never done. This is all new to us. We have no idea what’s going on, he’s a sweet little boy,” Diallo said. “Everything that’s happening right now, I can’t comprehend what’s going on.”
Anyone with information on the children’s whereabouts should contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted through the NYPD website or via direct message on Twitter, @NYPDTips.
Police said tipsters can remain confidential. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Feature Photo: Alpha (l) and Garrett (r)/NYPD]
