After NC boy’s body found, search for clues continues

Gastonia, N.C. – An FBI agent says the search for clues is continuing after authorities announced they had found the body believed to be that of a missing 6-year-old boy.

Agent Jason Kaplan said investigators still want to hear from people who were in the Gastonia park last weekend when Maddox Ritch ran away from his father. A searcher walking in a creek found the boy’s body on Thursday, and Kaplan said at a news conference it was extremely difficult to see Maddox’s body, even as searchers stood next to the spot prior to finding the body.

Last Saturday, Ian Ritch said the boy ran off from him and a friend and disappeared before he could catch up to him. Ritch said neuropathy resulting from diabetes prevented him from running after his son.