WASHINGTON COUNTY — Indiana State Police are asking for the public's help to identify a young boy who was found dead in a wooded area in Washington County Saturday, April 16.
According to state police, a resident mushroom hunting around 7:30 p.m. in the eastern part of the county when they located the body of a child between the ages of five and eight years old near a roadway.
Troopers described the area as a very rural, heavily wooded area with not a lot of houses nearby.
Investigators have not been able to determine the identity of the young boy.
"Right now that's the #1 point of this investigation — to find out who this child is," ISP said Monday. "He deserves to be heard."
He's described as a young, Black male between the ages of five and eight years old.
"Somebody was taking care of him; he was in somebody's custody and care for his daily needs and for support," troopers said. "Somebody out there either knows and isn't saying something or just hasn't had the opportunity to see this in the media yet and they don't know that they need to call somebody ... we need your help."
The child is approximately four feet tall and has a slim build and a short haircut. Investigators believe the boy died sometime within the last week.
ISP provided an update on the case Monday.
The child's cause and time of death will be determined by the coroner. Once autopsy results come back, troopers say a more specific age could be available.
ISP says it's contacted schools and other local agencies to inquire about a child who didn't show up, but there haven't been any matches.
"This could obviously be a national thing; it could be a child from any location," ISP said. "Somebody out there knows the answer to this question."
A national tip line has been established: 1-888-437-6432. The post's 800 number only works within the State of Indiana.
You can also contact Detective Matt Busick with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg at 1-812-248-4374 or 1-800-872-6743.
-
Riviera Club will remain open after members raise $1.54 million
WRTV learned on Tuesday that more than 1000 members of Club Riviera each paid a $1500 assessment to keep the club afloat this summer.
Curt Cignetti named honorary Pace Car driver for 110th Indianapolis 500
Race fans, start your engines and get ready for Cignetti. The Indiana University coach has been tapped to be the honorary Pace Car driver for the 110th Indianapolis 500.
Pediatricians and parents praise ruling blocking changes to vaccine schedule
Local pediatricians and parents are praising a new federal ruling that blocks recent changes made by the Trump Administration to reduce the recommended vaccine schedule for children.
Indy social workers, educators undergo youth mental health first aid training
Educators, counselors and social workers in Indianapolis are learning how to be the first source of support for kids facing mental health challenges.
