Relatives of a two-year-old boy, allegedly tossed into the East River by his father, are expressing their outrage, claiming that the police failed to prevent the tragedy, even though the investigation started one day before his father was reported missing.
Authorities revealed on Monday that Montrell Williams’ mother did not inform them that she had disappeared with her dad until May 11. In the meantime, no one knew what had happened to the child during the following two weeks. Officers seemingly lost track of the case, allowing the accused father to roam freely.
“The 2-year-old is not here today because of the negligence of the NYPD,” stated Rev. Kevin McCall, a community activist, outside the Bronx District 40th Station. “The police department recognized this was a missing child situation, but they failed this family.”
Arians Williams faces allegations of throwing his son off a bridge on May 10. This incident occurred just as the boy’s mother was waiting at a local McDonald’s on Mother’s Day, where they shared custody. Notably, Arians did not bring Montrell along.
“She hadn’t heard from anyone, so she called 911,” McCall explained. “But 911 told her it was a custody issue, not a police matter.”
Unaware of her son’s tragic fate, the distraught mother spent the ensuing weeks striving to draw attention to her predicament.
Tragically, the toddler had already lost his life before authorities were informed, and it wasn’t until May 28 that a warrant was issued for his mother to produce Montrell.
Reports indicate that last week, Arians made a shocking statement, saying, “I threw that kid into the river.”
On Wednesday, Montrell’s body was found near the bridge at Ferry Point Park in Queens. Medical examiners are currently working to determine the precise cause of death.
“Following last week’s examinations, we continue to investigate the causes and methods of death,” the coroner noted on Monday. “Identification was confirmed via DNA provided by the family.”
Arians Williams has been charged with both murder and manslaughter in connection with his son’s death.
“I just want justice for my grandchildren,” Montrell’s grandmother, Octavia Roane, remarked on Monday. “My daughter is graduating high school this weekend, and Montrell was supposed to be here to see that.”
“We’re heartbroken,” she added. “We are devastated.”
A police spokesperson stated, “The murder of Montrell Williams is an absolute tragedy, and the NYPD extends our deepest condolences to his family. Our detectives are dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation, and the arrest of Arian Williams is a crucial first step towards achieving justice for Montrell.”
