Massachusetts State Police have recovered the presumed physique of Elijah Lewis, a 5-year-old boy from New Hampshire who was reported lacking earlier this month, authorities introduced Saturday.
A cadaver canine discovered the physique buried in a wooded space in Abington, in response to Plymouth County District Legal professional Timothy Cruz.
Abington is about 72 miles southeast of Merrimack, the place Elijah lived.
A health worker will make the constructive identification of the physique and reason for dying, however officers stated the stays are believed to be Elijah’s.
“No person deserves to die this manner and we’re going to verify we do every little thing in our energy to verify we get justice for this little boy,” Cruz stated throughout a information convention.
No prices have been filed in Elijah’s dying as of Saturday, however that would change primarily based off the post-mortem outcomes, in response to New Hampshire Senior Assistant Legal professional Basic Susan Morrell. The investigation is ongoing.
“It is unattainable to say who might be charged or will not be charged on this matter,” she stated.
“We’re very saddened about this case … and the truth that he was disposed of down right here within the woods,” Morrell added.
He was reported lacking Oct. 14. Authorities beforehand stated Elijah had not been seen by folks exterior his dwelling for six months, although in latest days an investigation turned up no less than one sighting since mid-September.
Elijah’s mom, Danielle Denise Dauphinais, and a person NBC Boston described as her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf, have been charged on Monday with witness tampering and youngster endangerment in connection to Elijah’s disappearance.
Dauphinais, 35, and Stapf, 30, pleaded not responsible Wednesday to the fees, the Related Press reported.
In a press release relating to the fees, New Hampshire prosecutors alleged the pair requested folks to lie about Elijah’s whereabouts and violated “an obligation of care, safety or assist for Elijah.”
Dennis Romero and Elisha Fieldstadt contributed.
