A 2-Year-Old New York City Boy Has Been Missing for Weeks — and Police Suspect Father Threw Him into River
Two-year-old Montrell Williams has been missing since the evening of May 10, and law enforcement investigators now believe his father may have thrown him into the Bronx River. The alarming development has spurred intensive search efforts and raised serious questions about child-custody safety protocols.
On the night of May 10 at approximately 10 p.m., Montrell was last seen wearing only a white T-shirt and diaper while leaving a family gathering in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx with his 20-year-old father, Arius Williams. Since then, the toddler has not been seen or returned.
When Montrell’s mother—a 17-year-old—realized he had not come home, she reported him missing that same evening. After weeks with no answers, she formally filed a custodial interference report on May 30, noting that the parents shared joint custody and that Montrell had failed to return following his scheduled visit.
On June 7, Montrell’s mother encountered Arius on a Bronx street and demanded answers. According to multiple sources, he responded by brandishing a knife and told her he had thrown Montrell into the Bronx River near the Bruckner Expressway.
Arius was arrested shortly afterward and appeared in Bronx Family Court on June 9, where he refused to disclose any information about his son’s whereabouts—leading to a custodial interference charge and his being held without bail.
Police say they have surveillance footage showing Arius walking near the Bronx River carrying a black bag and later discarding it into the water—footage that aligns with their current theory .
NYPD dive teams have since been conducting extensive searches under the Bruckner Expressway, although no remains or evidence have yet been recovered. Authorities describe the hazy water as complicating recovery efforts.
- Charges pending: The father remains held on custodial interference and contempt charges; additional charges—such as endangerment, kidnapping, or manslaughter—are under review by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.
- Police procedure scrutinized: Mayor Eric Adams has publicly questioned whether the initial response was adequate and has launched an internal review of NYPD procedures in missing-child cases .
- Family court follow‑up: Arius’ refusal to explain his son’s location during the June 9 court appearance led to his detention; further judicial proceedings are expected.
Montrell’s grandmother, who also questioned Arius after the child vanished, tearfully described the ordeal, saying, “I just hope my son opens his mouth … bring my grand baby back” Neighbors describe Montrell as a social, friendly child and have been deeply disturbed by the disappearance.
Community volunteers have also been walking the riverbank daily in hopes of a breakthrough
