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

[FrostOwl]

<snip>Yes, social media does have it's moments, but think about it, long before the internet? There were these places called diners and coffee shops, and guess what folks of those generations did when something like this happened in their communities? Yup, they spread rumors, some may have been true, and of course, some was false. Telephone wires would burn up with the gossip.<snip>

Yes, gossip and rumours have always been around, but before today's use of spreading rumours on social media, whatever the rumours and the gossip claimed, those insinuations remained in a small, local area (usually), and the person could move to a new place and hopefully be able to begin a new life. Today, whatever gossip and rumours is posted in social media remains there forever, and it's accessible all over the world. You can search info about anyone, and you will find both true and false info, and there will always be those who will believe that the gossip and rumours are true, even if later info would clear a person from any wrongdoing. If the father is innocent, false rumors in social media can make it difficult for him to find employment, a place to live, and so on, regardless if he stays where he lives now or moves somewhere else, as those rumours and gossip spread today, before we know all facts, are only a click away!

 

[cybervampira]

Officials confirm body found in creek is missing boy with autism

Funeral services have been set for Maddox. According to an obituary, visitation will be held Thursday at a funeral home in Huntersville, followed by a funeral service the next day. The burial will be private.

Autopsy results are not available yet, and police continue to investigate what happened to Maddox. His body was found in Long Creek, Gastonia, about a mile from where he disappeared.

 

[Alethea]

But the FBI's and LE's job is to find out what happened to Maddox and when, not worry about silly comments on the internet or in coffee shops to which might have a grain of truth to them or not. Bigger fish to fry than people chatting on social media. I do get what you are saying and yes folks should be more considerate and kind, but again, that is not the LE and FBI's problem.

I agree with you. The social media speculation will stop as soon as LE says Maddox's death was a tragic accidental drowning and no foul play was involved. They will warn the community that toddlers and young children can die in less than a minute so everyone should watch not only their own children but all children when they are near water.

I posted the studies earlier. On average 2 children die per day due to accidental drowning. There are gut wrenching stories of very diligent helicopter parents who are distracted for less than 90 seconds to find their poor baby floating in a pool or pond. You can say it couldn't happen to you but it could happen to anyone.

The issue is, we don't know if that happened here. I have no interest in hurting a parent living through every parent's nightmare if that's what happened. I just want to know what the ME and LE think happened.

 

[Angleterre]

And Maddox? My opinion is not in any way blaming the father for doing anything to hurt his child. Maddox was a victim.
Maddox was in the care of an adult. His father. Someone who loved him. Someone who was, PERHAPS, not paying close attention to his son. Someone who was ,PERHAPS, paying attention to his new GF, as opposed to his son. Someone who, being as his son is 6 years old, is autistic and non verbal, should have been giving his son his undivided attention. Someone who KNEW, as he has stated, this was the FIRST time Maddox was at this park.
The father's interview to the media on Thread 1, Page 45, Post 888 - I have that in memory by now. There exists some somewhat inconsistent and some somewhat hard to believe statements.
I know this dad is hurting. I believe he will live with this all his life. The mother is more than broken because of this. I pray for them.
How do we think Maddox felt as he was wandering about a place he had NEVER been to? How did Maddox feel when he couldn't find his way back to the person who was entrusted with his care? Confused? Scared? Wondering how to get home?
That's what it's about for me. This child, who had no idea of where he was. Didn't even know how to get back to where the person, who brought him there, was.
IMO, again, IMO, the father was paying more attention to his girlfriend than his son. Maddox needed someone to be sure he was safe. Safe at ALL times.
Again. IMO

ETA: I keep hoping people don't think I'm questioning IF Maddox was at the park. I believe he was at the park. I whole heartedly believe his father let his son down. Plain and simple.

I accept that you state IMO and respect that fact however IMO your view is very black and white with no grey area and there by the grace of god go any of us who may not be a perfect parent 100% of the time, even though we try our best in often challenging circumstances.

You make a lot of assumptions and I just hope and pray that you never find yourself in a position where you’re perhaps not giving your all for whatever reason and as a result , tragedy strikes. It’s easy to sit in an armchair and say I would have or wouldn’t have done XYZ however, real life is not like that . So in this victim friendly forum, I ask you to have a little compassion. And before you reply words to the effect of ‘What about the compassion afforded to Maddox by his father ‘.... walk a mile in their shoes and say again with certainty that Dad was paying more attention to his GF as opposed to his son and consequently, it’s Dads fault that Maddox is now flying high with the angels. If he is at fault in any way, he will probably be his own harshest critic . Yes it’s very sad that this has happened to a beautiful young boy and in different circumstances???
But it’s happened and I’m sure dad doesn’t need his grief adding to by such blinkered views.
All IMOO and with respect and no offence intended

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The FBI said that it had evidence that Maddox was at the park when he disappeared on Sept. 22. Ritch also told CBS News that he took several polygraph tests, but the FBI did not reveal what the results were.
Body Believed to Be Missing Autistic Boy Maddox Ritch Found, FBI Says

“It was extremely difficult to see him even when we were standing right next to him,” said FBI special agent Jason Kaplan.

Gastonia's fire chief said the site where the body was discovered had been searched several times before. Drones and foot patrols searched the area as recently as Tuesday.

The FBI said it is too early to tell if foul play was involved in the boy's death.

“There’s a lot of information indicating that Maddox was where the family indicated he was, and that his movements were what they indicated,” said Kaplan.

The specialized dive team used “different equipment” than what was previously used during searches of the lake.
FBI: Body of Maddox Ritch found in Gastonia

“In law enforcement, we will not take anything for granted,” Kaplan said Thursday, fighting his emotions, at a news conference where officials announced that a body had been found.

“So there’s a lot of work, and there’s a lot of people that have lost a lot of sleep and are committed to continuing to making sure we answer every question that we can about where Maddox was, how his movement occurred and how it was that he ended up where he did.”

Kaplan said there has been speculation on the actions of Maddox’s parents, but he said the investigation is focusing on the child’s movements.
FBI Searches for Clues After Missing 6-Year-Old Boy’s Body Found in North Carolina Creek

Jason Kaplan, an FBI supervisory special agent, said investigators want to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as the boy's exact movements.
Kaplan pleaded for anyone with information to come forward. "There's a lot of information indicating that Maddox was where the family indicated, and his movements were what the family indicated," he said.
Funeral for Maddox Ritch to be held on Friday - CNN

The FBI said investigators are still trying to determine how Ritch got into Long Creek creek.

The State Medical Examiners Office told us in general terms, every death case is unique and the length of time it takes to complete an autopsy varies accordingly.
Maddox Ritch Investigation: FBI looking for more witnesses

 

[MissMalowe]

"I also want to say that the investigation is not over. And you should not take anything away from that, except to understand that in law enforcement, we will not take anything for granted. So there is a lot of work, and there's a lot of people who have lost a lot of sleep and are committed to continuing and making sure that we answer every question that we can about where Maddox was, how his movement occured, and how it was that he ended up where he did."

Presser
3:15-3:58

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

I took the "you should not take anything away from that" to mean that, they are leaning towards, perhaps very heavily, that it was accidental and that Maddox got there himself, however, regardless of whether or not the autopsy also points to that being the case, they are still committed to investigating when they think he got there, which exact path he took, where he entered the water, etc. So that all questions (not sure if they mean their own, the parents', the public's or all of the above) will have the most definitive answers to those questions as possible.

I realize plenty of others can read/watch that same clip and, understandably, take it to mean something entirely different; though I don't know that it can be said that this was LE clearly stating "they didn't think he could have gotten to that creek on his own" here. If anything, it could support either or.
(Though I'm not sure this was the particular presser clips being referred to to begin with anyway)
JMO

 

[heartgoesout]

I can easily understand why it might take an hour to call 911. An hour goes by fast when you are searching for a lost child in a large area. You are running around, talking to people, thinking you are close to finding your child, people are helping you....an hour can go by during that chaotic time, and it does not have to mean anything nefarious...

But according to reports this is not what was going on.

 

[katydid23]

But according to reports this is not what was going on.

I guess I missed the reports. I thought they went to the office and asked security for help?

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The grandmother of Maddox Ritch, the 6-year-old who was found dead in a Gastonia creek last week, wants people to know her grandson was a loving child who made everyone around him smile.

She spoke with Channel 9 for about an hour Monday and played a voice message Maddox recorded for his grandfather two months ago.

Maddox's grandmother said he used to run around the house in circles for hours, stopping occasionally to give her a pat on the hand or a kiss.

She said he was quiet and nonverbal with strangers, but bubbly, playful and talkative with those he loved.

Maddox Ritch's grandmother describes little boy as 'loving,' 'bubbly'

 

[Jordan10]

I accept that you state IMO and respect that fact however IMO your view is very black and white with no grey area and there by the grace of god go any of us who may not be a perfect parent 100% of the time, even though we try our best in often challenging circumstances.

You make a lot of assumptions and I just hope and pray that you never find yourself in a position where you’re perhaps not giving your all for whatever reason and as a result , tragedy strikes. It’s easy to sit in an armchair and say I would have or wouldn’t have done XYZ however, real life is not like that . So in this victim friendly forum, I ask you to have a little compassion. And before you reply words to the effect of ‘What about the compassion afforded to Maddox by his father ‘.... walk a mile in their shoes and say again with certainty that Dad was paying more attention to his GF as opposed to his son and consequently, it’s Dads fault that Maddox is now flying high with the angels. If he is at fault in any way, he will probably be his own harshest critic . Yes it’s very sad that this has happened to a beautiful young boy and in different circumstances???
But it’s happened and I’m sure dad doesn’t need his grief adding to by such blinkered views.
All IMOO and with respect and no offence intended

 

[Jordan10]

Our older son is a teen, very high functioning, and has autism. I lost him at the circus (years ago) even though he and I were holding hands very very tightly. Somebody walked between us and this broke our hold and I looked for our son for approx 15 minutes. Trying not to panic. I really request that those criticizing, stop. I thought I was being so careful, and have always questionned myself. Fortunately, we found our son and we continue on having learned from this.

 

[Jordan10]

No disrespect to the father or to anyone with Autism.
Just trying to figure out why he seemed not emotional or panicked in the first interview that is all.

I have a friend with Autism and he responds the same he doesn't panic no matter what the crisis. It can be good to stay calm in an emergency.

We are speculating why it took the father over an hour to call 911. That's all. It could be based on improper reporting.

No one wants to think Maddox was a victim of foul play.

I THINK the lack of panic would be expected from somebody with autism. Not saying the dad is. I do not know enough about the story, and have not seen enough of the videos. But that would not surprise me. I say that with a teen that is on the spectrum, and a husband that probably is.

 

[heartgoesout]

I guess I missed the reports. I thought they went to the office and asked security for help?

The witnesses that were allegedly spoken to have not come forward. There was no account that anyone was frantically running around speaking to anyone. The eye witness park employee did not feel quite right about the behavior. I’m not saying anything but based off the post I was responding too saying they could see how an hour went by because of those things, we have not heard that those things were happening.

 

[meanmaryjean]

The grandmother of Maddox Ritch, the 6-year-old who was found dead in a Gastonia creek last week, wants people to know her grandson was a loving child who made everyone around him smile.

She spoke with Channel 9 for about an hour Monday and played a voice message Maddox recorded for his grandfather two months ago.

Maddox's grandmother said he used to run around the house in circles for hours, stopping occasionally to give her a pat on the hand or a kiss.

She said he was quiet and nonverbal with strangers, but bubbly, playful and talkative with those he loved.

Maddox Ritch's grandmother describes little boy as 'loving,' 'bubbly'

So he was NOT non-verbal after all? (To this peds nurse, non-verbal means does not talk EVER.) Not a game-changer, but definitely makes you go hmmm......

 

[tara83]

So he was NOT non-verbal after all? (To this peds nurse, non-verbal means does not talk EVER.) Not a game-changer, but definitely makes you go hmmm......

His dad said from the start he was a big talker at home but wouldn't talk around strangers.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

So he was NOT non-verbal after all? (To this peds nurse, non-verbal means does not talk EVER.) Not a game-changer, but definitely makes you go hmmm......

I noticed that too. “talkative with those he loved”
My intuition tells me he was happy around his grandma and grandpa. This one got me. I haven’t cried about little Maddox yet, but I have tears slipping out and rolling slowly down my face now. I’m so sorry for the grandparent’s loss of their handsome, sweet and playful baby boy. They will carry their pain forevermore.

 

[meanmaryjean]

His dad said from the start he was a big talker at home but wouldn't talk around strangers.

Thank you- early on there was a media report that declared him 'non-verbal'. I've not read every single post so that slipped past me.

 

[Steelslady]

I agree with you. The social media speculation will stop as soon as LE says Maddox's death was a tragic accidental drowning and no foul play was involved. They will warn the community that toddlers and young children can die in less than a minute so everyone should watch not only their own children but all children when they are near water.

I posted the studies earlier. On average 2 children die per day due to accidental drowning. There are gut wrenching stories of very diligent helicopter parents who are distracted for less than 90 seconds to find their poor baby floating in a pool or pond. You can say it couldn't happen to you but it could happen to anyone.

The issue is, we don't know if that happened here. I have no interest in hurting a parent living through every parent's nightmare if that's what happened. I just want to know what the ME and LE think happened.

Absolutely. I totally agree with everything you wrote. I know all to well how scary and frightening it is to lose a child who was standing right next to you just seconds ago! I didn't even get the benefit of seeing my daughters run ahead, in terms of knowing what direction they went- they were there next to me, next thing I know, they were gone. I totally sympathize and wouldn't judge anybody for losing a child, and it is devastating when they die from an accidental drowning or are gone for days and die from lack of food, water, etc. I wouldn't wish this on anyone- no loving parent deserves this pain.

I just keep getting frustrated with things- the non-stop "if you were at the park, call in", "don't talk on social media, please", the lack of a COD- most ME's know by the second day if the child accidentally drowned, and the comment from LE this morning on Fox "this investigation isn't over yet". Hopefully, they are just trying to confirm that it was just an awful accident and nothing more. It would be heartbreaking if that child was harmed in any way and placed in the creek.

 

[LietKynes]

Waiting for new information.
Hard to believe it's been 9 days since Maddox passed and law enforcement STILL want people to come forward, and they haven't stated this to be an unfortunate accident.

 

[Julindy]

Thank you- early on there was a media report that declared him 'non-verbal'. I've not read every single post so that slipped past me.

That's what I read,as I left a comment that no one would hear him or he couldn't call out,that really upset me..x