An 11-year-old autistic boy went missing Saturday prior to the discovery of possible human remains surrounding his home Wednesday. Officials have yet to identify the remains and are still trying to figure out if they are human.
Investigators discovered the remains after receiving a search warrant for the boy’s family home in Menifee, California. According to ABC Local News, the boy, Terry Dewayne Smith Jr., went missing Saturday night between 7 and 9 p.m.
He was allegedly being watched by his 16-year-old brother while his mother was out of the house. His brother claims that he was going to a friend’s house when he saw Terry following him and told him to return home. That was the last time Terry was seen.
Officials are now interviewing his brother, his mother, and her partner. No arrests have been made yet and the family has been cooperative through the process.
Despite the presence of law enforcement at the home, over 700 volunteers continue to search for the beloved boy who they like to call “JuJu”. They even searched through thick woods in 100-degree weather, but due to the dangerous conditions, were forced to briefly suspend their search Tuesday night.
LA Times reports that many are saddened by his disappearance.
“We will find a way to remember him in our hearts,” said Jenny Smith, one of his teachers.