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

[AnnaGrace]

Have they really ruled out the lake. I hate to say it, as it is so tragic, but it seems like every time, it ends sadly with the child being found in the water. That lake looks so large. They couldn't have totally searched it yet, have they?

The lake has been my main worry too. I'm also concerned he's been abducted by some not nice person/people. At four days missing I'm extremely concerned. Could a six year old make it that long without food and water? I feel so desperate for him to be found and Lord please let him be alive.

 

[yrmfp]

Also from the article:
“Several Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department officers have joined them.”

This part really concerns me ....

From the landfill to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department HQ is a 40-minute drive. From the park, it takes a half hour. They aren’t anywhere near either location. Yet, they were seen in the area of the landfill along with the FBI agents and the Gaston County Police Officers.

I am now wondering when the dad last worked before Maddox’s disappearance, or when he ws last seen there (even if he wasn’t scheduled to work).

I really don’t like what’s going on


It really feels like things are shifting today. Helicopters have been active today as well.

It really feels like things are shifting today. Helicopters have been active today as well.
NOTE: Is there an app you all use for this site? It freezes up my phone and moves around every time I post.

 

[HayLouise]

It really feels like things are shifting today. Helicopters have been active today as well.
NOTE: Is there an app you all use for this site? It freezes up my phone and moves around every time I post.

No app unfortunately

 

[MAVLEY]

These cases involving kids make me want to leave work and go hug my babies! SO many kiddos these day that go missing or are murdered. Breaks my heart!

 

[HayLouise]

‘NEW | @GPDNC say additional resources are being added today to help #FindMaddox. The @charlottefire is bringing in this pontoon boat equipped with a special sonar.’



Hilary Powell on Twitter

 

[Steelslady]

FOX 46 Charlotte‏Verified account @FOX46News

'SEARCH FOR MADDOX: It's been four days since 6-year-old #MaddoxRitch was last seen by family at a local #Gastonia park. "Do not spread rumors on social media about the search," the FBI said. Help #FindMaddox #GetResults @DuganFOX46 http://bit.ly/2OR8HuG '

FOX 46 Charlotte on Twitter

*Video at link

First time that I have ever seen the FBI make such a statement. Does anyone remember if this has ever been said before in a missing child's case?

 

[gngr~snap]

It really feels like things are shifting today. Helicopters have been active today as well.
NOTE: Is there an app you all use for this site? It freezes up my phone and moves around every time I post.

When you sign in look towards your left for a little box.
It says "keep me logged in" or something similar.
Check the box and it should clear up for you

(I hope)

 

[K9Enzo]

Poor little guy. This story leaves a pit in my stomach.

K9 SAR teams across the country have seen a substantial increase in searches for little ones who are autistic and elderly with dementia or Alzheimer's who do indeed wander off.

As many in this thread have stated water sources make them nervous. I agree.

 

[HayLouise]

Search continues in and around Rankin Lake Park this afternoon. Gastonia Fire Dept. appears to be searching in drainage ditches along entry road to the park.

Lauren Tostenson on Twitter

*video at link

 

[HayLouise]

JUST CONFIRMED: FBI will be updating media at 4pm. Press conference will be closed to anyone other than credentialed media. More updates to come on @WBTV_News at 4, 5, and 6.

Lauren Tostenson on Twitter

Bbm

 

[yrmfp]

When you sign in look towards your left for a little box.
It says "keep me logged in" or something similar.
Check the box and it should clear up for you

(I hope)

Thank you. Its keeping my logged in however, the keyboard freezes up while Typing ( only in here) so by the time I can continue typing it's a mess. I'll try a different browser

 

[yrmfp]

First time that I have ever seen the FBI make such a statement. Does anyone remember if this has ever been said before in a missing child's case?

To be fair, they have been VERY tight lipped and since we just had another high profile child case here 2 years ago, people dont want to sit on their hands so a LOT of social media going on.. I fell asleep early yesterday sick and woke up at 11pm to fb alerts that stated his body was found and later all stating it was false gossip... they haven't all been cooperating about staying away or friendly on local LE and news sites either.. They obviously have something they are working off of ( and I personally love sleuthing) but I had to even stay off those fb sites yesterday because people were taking it too far. ( theories are one thing, these people were contacting family, LE , videoing themselves going to search sites etc..)


EDIT to add: the other case got so bad the judge gag ordered everything.. I feel like we are about to have a repeat ( even if not due to foul play)

 

[IceIce9]

JUST CONFIRMED: FBI will be updating media at 4pm. Press conference will be closed to anyone other than credentialed media. More updates to come on @WBTV_News at 4, 5, and 6.

Lauren Tostenson on Twitter

Bbm

Is it odd that FBI is conducting media updates rather than local LE? Just wondering if this is usually the case.

 

[yrmfp]

Is it odd that FBI is conducting media updates rather than local LE? Just wondering if this is usually the case.

Could possibly be since they involved the CARD team so early ? I've stayed away from missing childrens cases the past couple of years.

Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team — FBI

 

[HayLouise]

‘The case of missing 6-year-old Maddox Ritch reminds parents of children with autism of one of their greatest fears, wandering. We talked to @LNaeder from @autismspeaks about the issue, the challenges for parents & first responders. #OYSTonight’

Jamie Boll WBTV on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

UPDATE | @FBICharlotte and @GPDNC to have news conference at 4pm to update efforts to #FindMaddox. @SpecNewsCLT will carry it #LIVE

Jonathan Lowe on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING BOY: 6-year-old #MaddoxRitch has been missing for four days. Authorities expand search area in Gaston County. Here's the latest. #FindMaddox @FOX46News

FOX 46 Charlotte

Rochelle Metzger on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

FBI posting this again:

‘Do not spread rumors on social media about the search for Maddox Ritch. Information is being released by our official channels. Don't be responsible for redirecting our efforts away from where they need to be.... we should all unite to #FindMaddox.’

FBI Charlotte on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

Investigators will hold a news conference at 4p to update on the search for 6-year-old Maddox Ritch. We will livestream it HERE >>> Live Stream - WCCB Charlotte

Morgan Fogarty on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

‘Fake news and rumors do serious harm to investigations, especially when time is of the essence. Tonight on @FOX46News at 10, we'll hear more on how this is affecting the search for #MaddoxRitch.’

Diana Alvear on Twitter