Tragic Update: Father Charged After Missing Bronx Toddler Found Dead in East River

Montrell Williams, a 2-year-old boy from the Bronx, who had been missing for over a month, was tragically found dead this week. His father, 20-year-old Arius Williams, is now facing murder and manslaughter charges after authorities say he threw the child off a bridge.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows Arius throwing Montrell into the Bronx River while the toddler was in his care during a court-approved visitation. Police began searching the area on Monday and discovered the child’s body near Ferry Point Park just after noon on Wednesday.

Montrell was last seen on May 10 with his father in the Hunts Point neighborhood. After weeks of failed attempts to reach Arius, Montrell’s mother went to family court on May 30 and later contacted police again out of growing concern for her son’s safety following a disturbing encounter.

Initially charged with custodial interference, Arius Williams was arraigned Thursday in Bronx Criminal Court. He is being held without bail and considered a flight risk.

Heartbroken family members and community supporters gathered Wednesday night at the bridge for a candlelight vigil. Montrell’s aunt, Alicia Williams, expressed her deep pain, telling CBS News, “I want to see him suffer like he made the baby suffer.”

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed an internal investigation is underway to determine whether the case was mishandled, including delays in sharing Montrell’s photo with the public. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry said any failures will be fully reviewed.