The body of a 12-year-old boy who went missing in Buffalo, New York over three years ago was discovered in an attic roughly five miles from where he was last seen.
According to PEOPLE, the Buffalo Police Department announced on Monday (April 15) that they found Jaylen Griffin's body last week in an apartment attic following the boy's disappearance in August 2020.
Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said Griffin's body was found less than a week after he would've turned 16.
"I do want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family of Jaylen," Gramaglia said. "This department has conducted extensive searches and I want Jaylen's family to know that we are working diligently to bring the next closure for the family."
Gramaglia also noted that the body had been in the home "for a significant amount of time." The Erie County Medical Examiner used dental records to identify the body, the commissioner added.
Griffin's mother, who died last year, previously said her son went missing after taking his puppy for a walk. Griffin told his mom he was going back out, which "wasn't unusual."
"We live near a few stores and he would carry people's bags, and they'd give him change,” she said. The 12-year-old boy never came home.
According to WIVB, neighbors said the home where Griffin was found often had people moving in and out of it. Police had also reportedly responded to the home "many times" in the past several years.
A maintenance man found Griffin's body, per WIVB.
“Who would do something like this to a 12-year-old boy?” family friend and local pastor Tim Newkirk told the outlet.
“How did he end up here? Was he moved? The questions are still remaining,” Newkirk continued. “How long was he dead? How long was he deceased? Was he found in something that was locked and had to be opened? And did a certain aroma come out that would be a major complaint to this community? This looks like the type of community where if anything is taking place somebody will report it, or say something.”
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