Child’s body found in backyard, while ‘mom’ claims missing disabled son is in another state, visiting family

The mother of a young disabled boy is behind bars after authorities found a deceased young child’s body buried in the backyard of an Ohio home.

Cleveland.com reports that the FBI is assisting Cleveland police as they investigate an incident in which a young child was found buried in the backyard off of W. 80th St. Prior to the discovery, authorities launched a wide-scale search for a missing 5-year-old disabled boy, Jordan Rodriguez, who’s unable to verbally communicate.

Police arrested the little boy’s mother, Larissa Rodriguez, 34, on suspicion of murder, while her boyfriend, Christopher Rodriguez, 36, was locked up for failure to pay child support. Christopher Rodriguez’s brother, sparked the investigation when he called authorities and said his brother called from jail and told him Jordan was dead and buried in a backyard. Christopher Rodriquez reportedly told his brother that they found Jordan unresponsive a few months back and instead of getting medical help, buried him.

When detectives questioned Larissa Rodriguez, she claimed Jordan was in Texas visiting his biological father. She said the child left with his aunt on Dec. 2 for Houston, yet she couldn’t provide contact information for the aunt or for the boy’s biological father.

Authorities questioned Larrisa Rodriguez’s sister, Ana Rodriguez, who said she once saw Jordan tied up in a corner with a sock in his mouth. Further, a friend of the family said she spotted the little boy in a closet and “nearly dead” a few months back. Ana, who was visibly upset after learning the remains were found, said she previously reported the incidents to social workers and that Jordan was a nice boy.

“I’m just so hurt and angry. I don’t know why they would do this to him.”

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Jordan and Larissa Rodriquez/Handout, CPD]