Nationwide — The Bronx community is reeling after the heartbreaking discovery of 2-year-old Montrell Williams, an African American toddler who had been missing for over a month. Authorities found a child’s body in the East River on Wednesday, believed to be Montrell. His father, 20-year-old Arius Williams, now faces murder and manslaughter charges.
Surveillance footage allegedly captures a chilling moment: Arius is seen throwing Montrell off a Bronx River bridge. The toddler had been in his father’s custody under a visitation order when he disappeared. Police launched an intensive search on Monday, eventually recovering the body near Ferry Point Park just after noon on Wednesday.
Montrell was last seen with his father on May 10 in Hunts Point. Concern grew when his mother reported on May 30 that she couldn’t reach Arius. Her fears escalated after a recent confrontation, prompting her to alert authorities again this week.
Initially charged with custodial interference, Arius appeared in Bronx Criminal Court on Thursday. He was held without bail after being declared a flight risk.
A vigil was held Wednesday night on the Bronx River bridge, drawing family and community members united in grief and outrage. Montrell’s step-grandfather, Leroy Burton, and aunt, Alicia Williams, voiced their heartbreak and anger.
“He’s responsible for this,” Alicia Williams told CBS News. “I want to see him suffer like he made the baby suffer. For real, I want to see him suffer.”
In response, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced an internal review to investigate how the case was handled, including the delayed release of Montrell’s photo to the public. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry confirmed that any lapses would be scrutinized thoroughly.
The Bronx mourns the loss of a young life and demands answers as this tragic story unfolds.