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

[JohnTate90210]

News stories seem to be varying wildly on the location. One says in the creek across from the park which seems to make the most sense. From Google satellite photos, it appears a trail leaves the park, follows the creek, and continues to Highway 321 (North Chester Street). The paved section ends just before the highway but a rougher version continues under the highway and along the creek.

 

[heartgoesout]

Is there a pic of where he was found? A women on Facebook circled an area of a creek from drone footage where she felt she saw orange which would be his shirt.

 

[MsMarple]

Some video of the area:

MISSING 6-YEAR-OLD MADDOX RITCH:Police: Body found in creek near Gastonia park believed to be Maddox Ritch

 

[gitana1]

I've heard of children being found up to two miles away, but four miles! I don't think the child could walk that far in my opinion.

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

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Authorities find body believed to be that of missing 6-year-old North Carolina boy Maddox Ritch

He was last seen by his father and another adult on Saturday.

...Law enforcement officials said they planned to hold a news conference at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday...

 

[Cj707]

This is a question to any locals. I am not a map reader but it has been reported that he was found somewhere near old Dallas hwy and murrieta st. Looking really quickly at Google maps it looks like you have to go across( under or over a hwy to get there) is this accurate? Thanks!

 

[Insomnia Momma]

"I wish that he was alive." A neighbor explains how his tip may have led to the discovery of a body that's believed to be 6-year-old #MaddoxRitch.

LATEST: bit.ly/2QeDGkK

FOX 46 Charlotte on Twitter

*video at link

This guy said it’s down a busy road and across the highway from the park. I’m wondering how far down the busy road. Also wondering if there is confirmation that this Creek comes from the lake?

 

[HayLouise]

Search crews now leaving Rankin Lake Park #MaddoxRitch

Jonathan Lowe on Twitter

*video at link

 

[Camille]

"I wish that he was alive." A neighbor explains how his tip may have led to the discovery of a body that's believed to be 6-year-old #MaddoxRitch.

LATEST: bit.ly/2QeDGkK

FOX 46 Charlotte on Twitter

*video at link

Whaaat? This guy says that "I used to be on probation and my probation officer came up here looking around." Then he says that he pointed to PO to the culvert
under the bridge.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Search crews now leaving Rankin Lake Park #MaddoxRitch

Jonathan Lowe on Twitter

*video at link

Thanks Hay. I could almost feel the somberness of those riding in those vehicles. How horrible for them also. My SIL is a Lt. and Paramedic with our Fire Dept. my daughter has often called me in tears after consoling my SIL from carrying dead children. My heart goes out to all LE, searchers, community and family. Maddox is safe now.

 

[HayLouise]

Just saw a Gaston search crew backtracking the path from where the body was found to Rankin Lake.

Steve Ohnesorge WBTV on Twitter

*video at link

 

[gitana1]

Whaaat? This guy says that "I used to be on probation and my probation officer came up here looking around." Then he says that he pointed to PO to the culvert
under the bridge.

That's weird.

 

[bellesnwhistles]

RIP Maddox. Is it plausible that he ended up there on his own?

 

[HayLouise]

HAPPENING NOW: media setting up for 4pm press conference after search crews discovered a body believed to be Maddox Ritch off of Marietta Street/Old Dallas Highway in Gastonia. @WCCBCharlotte



Alexandra Elich on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

"We are just heartsick... We prayed that this was not going to be the result of this thing."


Neighbors who live near the area where crews discovered #MaddoxRitch's body are beside themselves.


"It's shocking to everybody."


What we know » Body believed to be 6-year-old Maddox Ritch found after six-day search #FindMaddox

WBTV News on Twitter

*video at link

 

[Dee Deforest]

I was so hoping for a different outcome. Rest In Peace Maddox.

 

[SeekingJana]

What a sad, sad day.. I'm so sorry his life was so short and my best hope is that this will be ruled an accidental drowning. Nothing sinister at all on anyone's part. A tragic childhood cause of death.

I am praying for the family and friends of this sweet little guy, for they are suffering still. My belief is that Maddox is now in a perfect place of eternal light and peace, in the arms of the angels in Heaven above with more love than we can even imagine..

 

[HayLouise]

This community did everything they could do to #FindMaddox. Today, that same community is heartbroken. Such a terrible ending we all were hoping wouldn't happen. #WBTV #MaddoxRitch

WBTV Ben Williamson on Twitter

*video at link

 

[Justice101]

following....

 

[DisturbedConcerned]

‘I know I’m the number 1 suspect,' says dad of missing 6-year-old

Father says he knows he is the number one suspect. This sounds like something more serious than just neglect.