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

[HayLouise]

MORE: FBI and police say #MaddoxRitch found partially underwater in Long Creek. Say creek is 2-3 feet.


@WBTV_News

Brigida Mack WBTV on Twitter

 

[razzledazzle]

There we go:

Registered sex offender says his tip helped police find body of Maddox Ritch

FOX 46 Charlotte on Twitter

Talk about inserting yourself into the middle of an investigation. Geez...

 

[HayLouise]

“This is the end we hoped we wouldn’t find.” Chief said a Chaplin arrived shortly after the discovery of a body to provide emotional support to responders. #MaddoxRitch

Joneé Lewis WXII on Twitter

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Final question from reporter went unanswered: "Is this a criminal investigation?"

 

[HayLouise]

NEW: Counseling will be made available for crews that have been working to #FindMaddox. This has taken such a toll on everyone. #WBTV

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

 

[DisturbedConcerned]

Where was he last seen and going in which direction?

The creek flows along the north bank of the reservoir and it flows west to east.

If the child got into the creek at the north end of the lake, and say he drowned, he could have easily been swept downstream to where he was found and if they had rain like more everyone else has in the southeast for the last several days, it seems logical brush and limbs would have been swept downstream with his body.

The park and lake are at the left. The creek is marked with with blue dots. The trail is marked with red dots. According to Google StreetView, once the trail reaches the highway, the paved part ends and it becomes rougher and continues under the highway. I've marked that section with green dots.

 

[JohnTate90210]

And here's the Google StreetView looking from the highway in the opposite direction from the park (park behind the camera). The creek is at the blue dots and the unpaved trail is at the green dots.

 

[razzledazzle]

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.

Replying to my own post. According to the presser, this area had been searched before.

 

[HayLouise]

FBI: the body of Maddox Ritch was found partially underwater in a creek that was 2 to 3 feet deep, & about 1 mile east of where Maddox allegedly disappeared from; Rankin Lake Park.

The FBI will now work to determine whether the death was an accident or if a crime was committed.

David Begnaud on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

As the press conference ends..two major questions still remain:


-HOW MADDOX GOT TO LONG CREEK?


-HOW HE DIED?


An emotional time for all in Gaston County. @WCCBCharlotte #MaddoxRitch

Alexandra Elich on Twitter

 

[MsMarple]

So far we've learned that Maddox could not have been swept into the creek from Rankin Lake as there are screens in place. He was partly submerged in the creek - hopefully when COD is determined it'll clarify whether he drowned or not.

And a sex offender is claiming his tip led LE to Maddox' body. Wow.

 

[Ed79]

Talk about inserting yourself into the middle of an investigation. Geez...

Who says he inserted himself? If a child goes missing you canvas the area. I would assume (which I could be wrong, I am often) that the SOP would be to interview all registered offenders in the vicinity.

 

[Camille]

Who says he inserted himself? If a child goes missing you canvas the area. I would assume (which I could be wrong, I am often) that the SOP would be to interview all registered offenders in the vicinity.

Of course he would be interviewed by the police and the PO officer but he also made himself available to the press for an interview.

 

[watcher9]

Just saw this update that a body has been found. Prayers to the searchers who worked so hard in this case. Hopefully, questions will soon be answered.

UPDATE: Police say search crews discover body believed to be missing boy, Maddox Ritch

 

[castilloisno1]

I am concerned. I wonder if this was an accident or if he was placed there.

 

[Ed79]

Of course he would be interviewed by the police and the PO officer but he also made himself available to the press for an interview.

The post I quoted said inserting yourself into an investigation, not an interview.

People are sheep who want attention and most jump at the chance to get in front of a camera.

 

[HayLouise]

Clearly an emotional day for all involved. We’re continuing our live team coverage on @WBTV_News and will have all the latest from the press conference coming up at 4:30, 5, and 6.

Lauren Tostenson on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

HOW TO HELP: Investigators still say they desperately need to hear from EVERYONE in the park on Saturday September 22, 2018. You can call 704-869-1075. #MaddoxRitch

Hilary Powell on Twitter

 

[razzledazzle]

Who says he inserted himself? If a child goes missing you canvas the area. I would assume (which I could be wrong, I am often) that the SOP would be to interview all registered offenders in the vicinity.

Respectfully, I was referring to the public interview he gave, taking credit for giving them a tip.

Of course, all RSO's in the area would be contacted during the investigation.

 

[PigPong]

Of course he would be interviewed by the police and the PO officer but he also made himself available to the press for an interview.

AND volunteered he had been on probation for five years....