Indiana police said on Friday that the search for a 16-year-old boy who vanished last month has transitioned to a recovery mission.
A Silver Alert was issued for Robert “RJ” Williams Jr., who was last seen on December 17 in Indianapolis. However, in a statement issued to the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Metropolitan police said they believe Williams fell into the White River based on new leads in their investigation.
A day after Williams’ disappearance, detectives discovered his gym bag and backpack on a dock near the White River. According to the Indianapolis Star, ground, drone, sonar, and water searches were conducted, yet Williams remains unaccounted for.
Williams was reported missing after he failed to come home from Purdue Polytechnic High School. He was believed to have gone to McDonald’s before vanishing.
Williams is reportedly autistic and has a mild intellectual disability. It was also said that Williams has the mentality of a 10- or 11-year-old, and that he has a history of psychosis and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Williams was described as standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, and having black hair with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray coat, blue sweat pants, and black tennis shoes.
Police did not say what new evidence led to the shift in their investigation. WTHR reported that search teams are expected to return to the White River on Friday.
“If what is being said is true, Robert passed away on Dec. 17,” Williams’ mother wrote in an online post. “My heart is shattered as I am more than broken. Today is the day, RJ, and today is going to be a very hard day for many of us. If what the detectives are saying is true, please allow them to find you.”
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[Feature Photo: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department]