Body of 2-Year-Old Boy Missing for Weeks Found in River & Police Think His Dad Threw Him In

New York City Police Department

Weeks after his initial disappearance, New York City police believe they have found the body of missing toddler Montrell Williams. The little boy was spending time with his father at the time of his disappearance. After attending a family party, something happened that led to them leaving early. That night, the toddler wasn’t returned home, causing his mom to reach out to police. Further investigation revealed there was a chance the little boy was thrown into a river. Now, a body has been found, and the dad is the primary suspect.

Two-year-old Montrell Williams disappeared in early May 2025, ABC 7 reported. He and his 20-year-old father, who has not been named, were at a Mother’s Day celebration. Early on May 10, the father had words with the boy’s grandmother, prompting him to leave the home with the toddler.

“Me and him had a conflict. I’m in my room. My cousin told me that my son took the baby,” the grandmother told ABC 7. “I went downstairs to chase him. He was gone. From that day, I was trying to search for my grandson.”

NBC 4 reported that the boy’s 17-year-old mother called police with concerns about her son’s whereabouts on May 10. Sources told the news outlet that police took a domestic report, which meant the case was not sent to detectives. Montrell’s mother and other family members repeatedly called police, trying to get leads on the boy.

Nearly a month later, on June 8, the mother reportedly saw the boy’s father and confronted him. The man allegedly pulled a knife on her and told her that he had thrown the toddler into the river. The confession led to the mom calling police.

According to New York Post sources, a body was found in the East River around 12:20 p.m. June 11. It is believed to be that of Montrell Williams. The body was found wrapped in a blanket, and the child was wearing a diaper and a single sock. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the dad throwing a black bag into the river, sources said.

The dad was taken into police custody on custodial interference charges, the Post reported. He allegedly told a family court judge he didn’t know where his son was. He isn’t currently facing any other charges.