BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — The heartbreaking search for 2-year-old Montrell Williams appears to have come to a tragic end after a body believed to be his was recovered from the waters off College Point, Queens, on Wednesday.
The toddler had been missing since May 10, when he was last seen at his grandmother’s home in the Bronx. On Wednesday morning, the NYPD Harbor Unit located a child’s body in the waters near Ferry Point, close to the Whitestone Bridge. Although formal identification is pending, authorities believe the remains are those of Montrell.
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- 1 Video Evidence Leads to Break in the Case
- 2 Family Desperately Sought Help
- 3 Questions Raised Over Police Response
- 4 Ongoing Investigation
Video Evidence Leads to Break in the Case
According to NYPD officials and law enforcement sources, surveillance footage captured Montrell’s father, 24-year-old Arius Williams, allegedly tossing a bag—possibly containing the child—into the Bronx River. NYPD divers began combing the river earlier this week in connection with the investigation.
“Seeing the crime committed on video was heartbreaking,” said NYPD Chief of Department John Chell. “But [Williams] is off the street and will have his day [in court]. Our hearts go out to the family.”
Family Desperately Sought Help
Montrell’s 17-year-old mother had not seen her son since May 10. On May 12, she reported his disappearance to family court but, according to sources, no warrant was issued at the time. She returned to court a second time in an attempt to escalate the case, though the outcome remains unclear due to sealed records.
Later, the teen mother confronted Williams after following him onto a Manhattan-bound subway train. During that encounter, Williams allegedly pulled a knife on her. He was arrested shortly after and has been held at Rikers Island on a custodial interference charge.
The boy’s grandmother, Sabrina Williams, told PIX11 News she warned police as early as May 11 that her son had taken Montrell after an argument during a Mother’s Day gathering. She said officers told her that it was legally permissible because Williams was the child’s father.
“My son kidnapped my grandchild out my house,” she told PIX11. “He’s gone.”
She was seen heading toward the river Wednesday morning to grieve the likely loss of her grandson.
Questions Raised Over Police Response
The NYPD is now reviewing how the initial missing person’s report was handled. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed concerns during an appearance on “Good Day New York,” stating:
“The NYPD takes any case of a missing person very seriously.”
Sources believe Montrell may have already been dead when his grandmother first contacted authorities on May 11, as Williams reportedly appeared at a relative’s home without the child that same day.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, Arius Williams has not been charged in Montrell’s disappearance or presumed death. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to confirm the child’s identity and build the case.
The family and broader community continue to mourn what appears to be a devastating loss. Supporters are calling for accountability and a closer look at how the case was managed, especially in its early stages.
