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

[HayLouise]

#BREAKING @GPDNC confirm body of 6 year old #MaddoxRitch found during a search in Gastonia. Police to provide details in live news conference at 4pm . Follow @SpecNewsCLT @mshilary & @JonathanUpdates for latest

Jonathan McCall on Twitter

Bbm

 

[IceIce9]

That is quite a distance - his body found 1/2 mike to a mile from the park.

 

[Mauig’ma]

Prayers going out to the family of Maddox. Rest In Peace lil love bug.

 

[HayLouise]

BREAKING. I’m here now and it’s a heartbreaking scene. Many in tears.

Joneé Lewis WXII on Twitter

 

[floridamomma]

Damn.

We expected it, but still, damn. I'm praying for his mommy, and will wait for more news...

I'm off to be happy I can make my kids cranky about math worksheets!

 

[WillenFan21]

That is quite a distance - his body found 1/2 mike to a mile from the park.

Little kids can run far. I'm going to wait and see what the autopsy reveals before I suspect foul play.

 

[HayLouise]

BREAKING: Investigators say body believed to be that of missing 6-year-old Maddox Ritch found in Gastonia off Marietta Street. @wsoctv #Breaking #FindMaddox #MissingChild #MissingPerson



Tina Terry on Twitter

 

[WillenFan21]

So sad. Poor Maddox. If that lake turns into the creek is it possible he drowned and the current took him into the creek? Prayers to the family.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

F*F*F*!

 

[LietKynes]

That is quite a distance - his body found 1/2 mike to a mile from the park.

Kids have been known to wander that far.... sad that sar dogs couldn't have found him the first night--- he might have still been alive ?
If he walked that far-- couldn't the dogs have tracked him to that location ?

Wonder if he drowned, or if there was foul play ?

Rest gently, sweet little Maddox !

 

[Rockfarmer]

heartbreaking

 

[Indy Anna]

That is quite a distance - his body found 1/2 mike to a mile from the park.

The reporter on Fox46 said that the creek runs from the lake, so I think it's very likely Maddox fell in to the lake and his body washed downstream to the creek. IMO

 

[suzyjackson]

That is quite a distance - his body found 1/2 mike to a mile from the park.

From what we've heard of Maddox imo he could have run that far in 10 minutes or less, maybe he ran and couldn't find his way back

 

[osu]

FBI Charlotte
With heavy hearts we announce a body believed to be 6-year-old Maddox Ritch was found at approximately 1 p.m. off of Marietta Street/Old Dallas Highway in Gastonia. Maddox’s parents have been notified of the discovery. The investigation is ongoing.

FBI Charlotte on Twitter

 

[KaylynnCouture]

Absolutely heartbreaking.

 

[WillenFan21]

The reporter on Fox46 said that the creek runs from the lake, so I think it's very likely Maddox fell in to the lake and his body washed downstream to the creek. IMO

Yes that is my thought too. I was wondering if it would be possible to have washed that far. I don't think the dad is lying. He supposedly took a polygraph and passed according someone who posted about it a couple pages back.

 

[HayLouise]

I just walked into the woods to the body found area- it’s about a 1/2 mile off Bulb Ave.


Several investigators working scene. Very remote area, not easily found.



Mike Hanson on Twitter

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[HayLouise]

Search crews have discovered a body believed to be Maddox Ritch off of Marietta Street/Old Dallas Highway in Gastonia. Police have closed off access to roads leading into the area.

Eric Wildstein on Twitter

*video at link

 

[LietKynes]

Yes that is my thought too. I was wondering if it would be possible to have washed that far. I don't think the dad is lying. He supposedly took a polygraph and passed according someone who posted about it a couple pages back.

BBM

Ian is the only one who stated that he took a poly. LE have not confirmed this.

 

[HayLouise]

I can’t describe the hurt for this boy’s family and our community with this very sad update. Body found believed to be Maddox Ritch. @wsoctv

Blaine Tolison on Twitter

*video at link