Missing NYC Toddler Feared Thrown into Bronx River by Father, Police Say

Montrell Williams 2, (pictured) was last seen wearing only a white shirt and diaper, at an apartment building in Hunts Point - about a mile from his home

A desperate search is underway for 2-year-old Montrell Williams, who vanished nearly a month ago during a scheduled custodial visit with his father. Authorities now believe the boy may have been thrown into the Bronx River by the child's 20-year-old father, prompting an extensive NYPD recovery operation near the Bruckner Expressway.

Montrell was last seen around 10 p.m. on May 10, wearing only a white shirt and diaper, at an apartment building in Hunts Point—approximately a mile from his primary residence. The boy had been with his father that day as part of a shared custody agreement with his 17-year-old mother.

Detectives have reason to believe the father threw Montrell into the Bronx River, near the Bruckner Expressway. Pictured: A view of the Bronx River from the Bruckner Expressway

Concerns were raised when Montrell was not returned in the days following the visit. On May 30, after repeated attempts to locate her son, the mother questioned the father directly. According to a police source, the father's response included “concerning statements” that immediately alarmed authorities and escalated the investigation.

Following his questioning at a local precinct, the father appeared before Bronx Family Court on a warrant for violating the custody order by failing to return the child. When he refused to reveal Montrell’s whereabouts to the judge, he was taken into custody. Investigators now suspect the toddler may have been thrown into the river shortly after the last confirmed sighting.

He was last seen around 10 pm on May 10 at an apartment building at Hunts Point Avenue and Gilbert Place in Hunts Point

The NYPD has launched a search operation for the child’s body in the Bronx River, with divers and search teams scouring the area.

Police have released a photo of Montrell and issued a public appeal for any information about his disappearance. The boy is described as having a medium complexion, brown eyes, and black hair.

Community members have reacted with sorrow and disbelief. “I can only imagine what his mom is going through right now,” said neighbor Tracey Pringle. “The only thing we can do is just hope and pray that he's OK and that he's returned safely.”

Another local resident said, “I seen the little boy. I always seen the mom. The mom takes the baby to daycare every day.” Norma Ramos, a longtime resident of the neighborhood, added, “I have kids myself. It hurts as a parent. Whoever has the kid, return him.”

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to search the river and examine surveillance footage in the area.