Body of missing Bronx toddler Montrell Williams found in East River

In the United States, specifically in the Bronx, the case of 2-year-old Montrell Williams has drawn significant attention following his disappearance on May 10. Montrell was last seen by his father, Arius Williams, during a Mother's Day gathering. Conflicting reports indicate that Arius engaged in a confrontation with his own father before leaving with Montrell. Surveillance footage captured a man throwing a large bag into the Bronx River later that night, raising suspicions about the child's safety. Montrell's mother, a 17-year-old, expressed her concerns regarding her son's whereabouts and filed a complaint with the police after multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact Arius. The situation escalated when the two parents confronted each other on the street, leading to Arius allegedly brandishing a knife and claiming he had harmed their son, specifically asserting he threw Montrell off a bridge. The police subsequently took custody of Arius on Monday, charging him with custodial interference. Despite being a person of interest in Montrell’s disappearance, no charges were immediately filed against him concerning the child’s disappearance. In the meantime, multiple reports and flyers seeking information about Montrell circulated in the area where he was last seen. On June 11, a body believed to be Montrell was pulled from the East River near the Whitestone Bridge. The child was found wrapped in a blanket, wearing only a diaper and one sock. Following the recovery of the body, the medical examiner's office began the process of determining the cause of death as the investigation continued. The NYPD has initiated an internal review concerning the handling of the case, reflecting on the initial missing person reports and interactions with the family to ensure a thorough investigation and proper protocols moving forward.