Crime
Body of missing 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt found near Riverdale apartment complex
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The search for 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt, who was reported missing three days ago, ended tragically on Tuesday evening when authorities discovered the infant’s body near an apartment complex in Clayton County.
The grim discovery came 84 hours after the baby’s father, Antonio Pearce, claimed his son had been abducted during an alleged armed robbery.
Clayton County police confirmed that Nnakai’s twin sibling remains safe and in the care of their mother, who investigators say is not believed to be involved in the case.
Investigators returned to the Valley Hill Road apartment complex shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday to conduct another extensive search, after spending much of the day reviewing evidence and retracing previous search efforts.
By 6:30 p.m., officers established a perimeter with crime scene tape near a dumpster and the wooded area adjacent to the complex.
A few hours later, around 7 p.m., police confirmed the heartbreaking discovery of baby Nnakai’s body.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how or where the infant was found, citing the ongoing investigation.
Clayton County Police confirmed Monday that Antonio Pearce, the child’s father, is now the primary suspect in his son’s disappearance and death.
Pearce was arrested earlier this week on unrelated charges, including possession of marijuana and multiple traffic violations.
Pearce initially told officers that he and his infant son were the victims of an armed robbery at the apartment complex around 8 a.m. Sunday.
According to his account, assailants robbed him at gunpoint, stealing his belongings and allegedly taking the baby from a car seat before fleeing the scene.
However, police said inconsistencies in Pearce’s statements, combined with evidence suggesting possible foul play, led investigators to doubt his version of events.
Detectives subsequently shifted the focus of the investigation from a kidnapping case to a potential criminal homicide.
Court records show that Pearce has a prior criminal history, including charges of simple battery and cruelty to children filed in 2022. Authorities have not confirmed whether those charges involved his own children.
For two days, search teams — including K-9 units and cadaver dogs — scoured wooded areas, dumpsters, and drainage systems near Valley Hill Road but initially found no sign of the missing child.
Clayton County Police have not yet announced whether additional charges will be filed against Pearce in connection with Nnakai’s death.
He remains in custody and is expected to make his first court appearance on Wednesday.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone involved,” a police spokesperson said Tuesday evening. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly on this case from the moment the call came in, and our thoughts are with Nnakai’s family during this unimaginable time.”
The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the baby’s official cause and manner of death.
HARRIS COUNTY, TX — A juvenile male was shot and killed in the Northwest Park area, prompting an active investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
Deputies responded at approximately 2:15 p.m. to reports of a shooting at a residential complex located at 10155 Bammel North Houston Road, near North Houston Rosslyn and Fallbrook Drive.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a juvenile Hispanic male suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite attempts by first responders to perform CPR and lifesaving measures, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives from the Homicide Division, led by Detective Jason Brown, responded to conduct the investigation.
Based on initial witness statements, deputies were able to detain a 15-year-old male suspect believed to be involved in the incident.
According to preliminary findings, investigators believe the shooting may have occurred during a possible drug-related transaction.
At this stage, no additional suspects are believed to be involved.
Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) are processing evidence, while detectives continue to review surveillance footage from the apartment complex and interview witnesses.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been formally confirmed, though authorities believe they have located potential family members.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.