Just hours after an 11-month-old baby from New Mexico was reported missing, a family’s worst nightmare came true when police confirmed that the child was found dead.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a Facebook post on Monday, February 9, that the child’s body was found shortly before 10 a.m.
Authorities were first alerted to the baby’s disappearance near Flora Vista on the evening of Sunday, February 8. They “immediately” began a search, which lasted “all night and into the morning” of February 9.
“We understand how deeply unsettling this is for our community,” Sheriff Shane Ferrari said in a statement. “We are working around the clock to gather evidence as to what and who was responsible for the death of this child. There is no threat to the public.”
Ferrari continued: “We are heartbroken over the loss of a young life in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child.”
“We are investigating this incident to our fullest capabilities and will relentlessly pursue justice,” the statement concluded. “We ask that you respect the privacy of the family as they grieve this immense loss.”
A San Juan County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said that the child’s mother was the one who had reported them missing, according to KRQE. The spokesperson added that the baby’s body was later discovered in a remote location. However, no further details about where the baby was found were shared.
No information about the child’s identity has been publicly revealed, including their name and gender. It’s also not known who the child’s parents are or what their involvement in the child’s life looked like. Additionally, a cause of death has also not yet been revealed.
Authorities are investigating the child’s death as a homicide, according to KRQE. No suspects have been named as of the time of publication.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding an update in the case.
The New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department is also looking into the case and issued a statement about the heartbreaking situation.
“CYFD does have a history of involvement with this family,” the statement began, according to KOB 4. “We received the report about the tragic death of this child and are actively investigating and working closely with law enforcement.”
After the police department shared the news of the baby’s death on Facebook, several social media users took to the comments section to express their sadness over the situation and to send prayers to the child’s loved ones.
“Prayers for the family and for the first responders who had to respond and care for this heartbreaking situation,” one person commented, while another added, “Prayers for strength & comfort for the family.”
A third person chimed in, “Definitely heartbreaking! Please refrain from even trying to guess what might have happened! When the law enforcement agencies have a statement then we will be informed. Until then it’s best for everyone not to speculate!”
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