The Everett Police Department in Washington confirmed the discovery of a body found Thursday is likely of a missing 4-year-old boy who vanished under suspicious circumstances.
The department said officers found Ariel Garcia’s body shortly before 6 p.m. in Clark County. Major Crimes detectives have since launched a homicide investigation into the case. Initial findings indicate that the body matches the description of the missing child, but a medical examiner will provide the official identity.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Ariel was last seen with a family member at around 7 a.m. while leaving an apartment in the 4800 block of Vesper Drive in Everett on Wednesday morning.
Police said at the time that they believed the boy to be in danger.
During the investigation, police found and seized a blue 2013 Nissan Sentra and arrested the child’s mother in Clark County; she has not been charged at this time with his death. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office didn’t provide additional information on the arrest.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the cause and manner of death next week.
Meanwhile, court documents filed in Snohomish County Superior Court and obtained by the Everett Herald reveal that less than 48 hours before he vanished, Ariel’s grandmother expressed concerns that his mother might attempt to flee with him.
The grandmother filed for emergency guardianship on Monday, citing his mother’s substance abuse issues, which made her prone to vanishing for extended periods without warning.
“Ariel being so young needs someone to look after him, and his mom is not able to give him the care he needs,” the grandmother wrote. “He becomes scared of her condition and does not want to be around her anymore. I can give him a normal life.”
Police are expected to provide additional details. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Everett PD]
