Found Deceased NC - Maddox Ritch, 6 w/Autism, Gastonia, 22 Sept 2018 #2

[Camille]

Here is the video of the man who gave the tip. I googled him and what he is convicted for is VERY troubling to say the least. Idk what’s allowed to be posted on here so I’ll just leave the video.

FOX 46 Charlotte

It’s interesting to me how he insists it would be easy for a child to get there on his own, during a red light. Surely someone would have seen him walking there.

Not making any assumptions, I’ve learned my lesson about that. But this is very strange to say that he least.

OMG!!! I figured it was something like that or his PO officer would not have been there.

 

[cass523]

Does anyone have a link for the press conference?

Prayers to the family

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Oh they sure can. Kids with autism especially "elope" and can go great distances.

This five year old ended up 3.5 miles away. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna408226

This two year old wandered 3-4 miles before circling back and dying a mile from his home.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnew...w/emmett-trapp-wandered-off/story?id=11323106

Thank you for the education that I will remember hopefully. In the future. I knew about water was a danger for autistic kids but I did not know they could walk so far!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

OMG!!! I figured it was something like that or his PO officer would not have been there.

Oh crap! Don’t let this have anything to do with this little boy. Please.

 

[HayLouise]

Press conference about to begin with officials who will have the latest with the Maddox Ritch case. The 6-yo’s body was found this afternoon. Watch the press conference live on @WBTV_News Facebook.

Lauren Tostenson on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

WATCH LIVE: Officials are providing updates after a body believed to be that of missing 6-year-old Maddox Ritch was found earlier today. VIEW: Live Streaming - WCCB Charlotte #wccb #news #update #breaking #findmaddox

WCCB, Charlotte's CW on Twitter

 

[razzledazzle]

View attachment 148876

Google Maps
This is the area where Maddox was found. I matched it up to the video posted earlier:
MISSING 6-YEAR-OLD MADDOX RITCH:Police: Body found in creek near Gastonia park believed to be Maddox Ritch
I hope the presser will give us more information like was he in the creek or near the creek.

I suck with maps but the path or trail leading out of the park literally goes straight to (still a maintained path) until it gets to the underpass at 321. You have to turn to the right to go back to the parking area. I really wish this area had been searched sooner.

 

[HayLouise]

NOW: Gastonia police chief visibly upset. Says he's heartbroken. #MaddoxRitch



Joneé Lewis WXII on Twitter

“Our community’s heartbroken. Our searchers.” - @GPDNC Chief Robert Helton on discovery of the body of #MaddoxRitch. @WBTV_News

Brigida Mack WBTV on Twitter

 

[mks762]

I 100% agree. I feel this is an unfortunate accident and the father will beat himself up more than anyone else ever could. Until further information comes out, respect for the family needs to be adhered to.

I have been saying this since day one. I am so sad for the father. I really hope he is able to somehow one day learn to forgive himself for this awful accident. Sure it could have been prevented but I don't think it's fair for us to pass judgement. Raising an autistic child is a job in itself and each individual child and situation is different.

 

[Spellbound]

Just heard..... I am truly sad.

 

[DisturbedConcerned]

Agree. The creek is likely a tributary of Rankin Lake.

Google earth 03-2018 very crisp imagery, I see a creek flowing along-side the northern bank of the main reservoir. How much rain have they had in the last six days? My guess is plenty.

 

[steff13]

View attachment 148876

Google Maps
This is the area where Maddox was found. I matched it up to the video posted earlier:
MISSING 6-YEAR-OLD MADDOX RITCH:Police: Body found in creek near Gastonia park believed to be Maddox Ritch
I hope the presser will give us more information like was he in the creek or near the creek.

Thank you! So, the water on the left is the lake where he was walking with his dad? Damn.

 

[HayLouise]

Choking back tears, @GPDNC chief Robert Helton says, “I’ve lost a lot of sleep this week over Maddox.”


#FindMaddox @WBTV_News

Brigida Mack WBTV on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

so sad to watch opening of this news conference with @GPDNC chief. "I've never seen a larger response in my 32 years in this business than what we had here in this search." #maddoxritch #ABC11

Josh Chapin on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

per @FBI: "this investigation is not over." believe the body found today is that of 6 yr old #maddoxritch #ABC11

Josh Chapin on Twitter

 

[MsMarple]

Yes there is. But is didn't look like that path leads to where Maddox was found.

The map resolution isn't very good but you can see right before the highway the paved walkway (which veers left off the walkway that goes around the lake) becomes a dirt path and continues alongside Long Creek.

You can see LE walking it in the video in the tweet linked by osu upthread.

 

[HayLouise]

Jason Kaplan with FBI also choked up. Saying this investigation is not over and still asking for help and tips from the public “we need to know as much as we can about movement” @WBTV_News

Lauren Tostenson on Twitter

 

[steff13]

The police officer commented that Maddox was hard to see even when they were right next to him was interesting.

 

[HayLouise]

NEW: FBI Spokesperson: "We have seen Maddox and it is amazing that he was found. Standing next to him you can barely see him." #WBTV #MaddoxRitch

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

Maddox was found by a searcher that was walking down Long Creek. @WCCBCharlotte

Alexandra Elich on Twitter