COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio Amber Alert was activated statewide early Wednesday morning by the Columbus Police Department as authorities continue their search for a missing boy identified as 5-year-old Darnell Taylor -- and police have confirmed the suspect's vehicle was found near Cleveland.
Columbus police announced during a brief press conference early Friday morning that a body believed to be that of Darnell's had been found.
"This is a tragic development and we certainly hoped for a different outcome," said Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant.
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The situation started shortly after 3 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Reeb Avenue in Columbus. Police say the caller stated that his wife — 48-year-old Pammy Maye — woke him up and made statements that made him believe Darnell, who is their foster child, had been hurt. Police report the caller also said that Maye abruptly left the residence in a 2015 Jeep Cherokee.
Columbus police gave an update on Thursday afternoon regarding the Amber Alert.
"Based on this investigation, we are going to continue to follow every lead we have," Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said. "We will continue to do so until we have located Darnell and Pam."
During the press conference, officials urged the residents of Northeast Ohio, specifically those in Linndale, Brooklyn, and Cleveland, to contact (614) 645-2228 if they saw a 2015 Jeep Cherokee between 5-6 a.m. on Wednesday.
Officials also urged business owners in Northeast Ohio to contact police if the vehicle stopped at their business.
Records from Franklin County Municipal Court show a warrant has been issued for Maye's arrest on charges of kidnapping and endangering children.
At the end of the press conference, Bryant urged Maye to contact the police.
“Pammy, if you’re watching this, can you please reach out and contact us? We need to know that Darnell is safe, and we need to know if you are safe. Reach out, contact us, let us know that you are okay," said Bryant.
Also on Thursday, officials released the full 911 call from Maye's husband. According to his recounting of events, Maye told him that "she killed out son."
"She just woke me up and said, 'He's not here no more,'" the caller claimed. "I said, 'What did you do to him?' She said, 'He’s not alive,' and then when I tried to grab the phone to call you, she started fighting me."
The caller also told authorities that Faye suffers from depression and bipolar disorder but has been taking medicine for it. At this time, officials have given every indication that they still believe Darnell is alive.
3News reached out to the Brooklyn Police Department for an update on its search for Maye and Taylor. Acting Police Chief Lieutenant Cindy Eschweiler says while the department has no new information, they have been working with the U.S. Marshals Service.
"Unfortunately, they're (U.S. Marshals) still working on leads," Eschweiler added.
The full press conference can be watched below:
The Ohio Amber Alert was issued with Columbus police saying Darnell was believed to have been abducted.
A short time later, another Amber Alert blast was sent out shortly before 6 a.m. that declared "last seen near Cleveland." Columbus police told 3News they were alerted that the suspect's vehicle could be in the Cleveland area after receiving a Flock hit (license plate readers) on the Jeep. Columbus police later confirmed it was found in Brooklyn, Ohio, shortly before 6 a.m.
Brooklyn police impounded the vehicle.
Columbus police held a press conference Wednesday to provide an update and timeline of the situation, which you can watch in the video below:
Although the vehicle was located, police say Darnell and Maye remain missing.
Darnell is described as having black hair and brown eyes. Police say it's believed he may be wearing Spider-Man pajamas and white boots.
Maye is described as 4’9” tall, weighs 115 pounds with brown hair and eyes. She was reportedly last seen wearing a green floral nightgown with pink shoes.
When a reporter asked Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant if it's believed the child is still alive, she offered this response: “We have no idea what we’re dealing with right now. That’s why we’re asking for the public’s assistance. Any information you can give us, we would greatly appreciate it.”
Anybody who has information or sees the child, suspect or vehicle is asked to call 911. Columbus police also have a tip line you can call at 614-645-2228. Residents in Columbus and Brooklyn are also being asked to "search their private property for anything that appears to be missing or is out of place."
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