Bronx father of 2-year-old boy presumed drowned declines to appear in court for questioning.

Authorities have recovered a body believed to be that of Montrell Williams, a 2-year-old boy who had been reported missing in the Bronx. The discovery was made around 12:18 p.m. on Wednesday in the East River, specifically near Ferry Point Park and the Whitestone Bridge. Investigators are currently working to confirm the identity of the child.

The situation surrounding Montrell’s disappearance has raised significant concerns and led to ongoing investigations. His father, 20-year-old Arius Williams, had previously told Montrell’s mother that he had thrown their son into the Bronx River. Following these allegations, Williams has been held without bail at Rikers Island for contempt of court after he refused to reveal the child’s location to authorities. Typically, during a contempt order, a defendant is required to appear in court daily to provide any information they may have, yet Williams declined to comply, complicating the investigation further.

This tragic incident has deeply affected Montrell’s family. Alicia Williams, who is related to the child’s father, stated that the grandmother is heartbroken. She described the situation as unbearable, noting that the grandmother has been unable to sleep or find peace as she struggles with the loss of her first grandchild. Despite her pain, the grandmother reportedly continues to express love for her son, while also conveying her inability to forgive him for the current situation.

The family has been vocal about their attempts to seek help from the police, expressing frustration that law enforcement did not intervene during the scheduled visitation period when concerns were raised regarding Montrell’s safety. After fearing for the boy’s welfare, relatives attempted to report their worries to the authorities, but were informed that intervention was not possible because the child was with his father during a legal visitation. This prompted family members to take to social media to disseminate information about Montrell’s disappearance, sharing photos and details in an effort to galvanize public support.

The circumstances surrounding Montrell’s last known whereabouts are particularly troubling. He was last seen by his mother during a visit with his father on May 10, 2025, when he went to spend time at a family gathering for Mother’s Day. Witnesses suggest that tensions escalated during this gathering, culminating in a confrontation where Williams allegedly threatened Montrell’s mother with a knife and noted that he harmed their son.

As the investigation unfolds, NYPD officials have committed to a thorough review of how the case has been managed, emphasizing that any case involving a missing child is treated with utmost seriousness. This tragic incident continues to resonate within the community as families and advocates seek answers and justice for Montrell Williams.

The ongoing case raises critical questions about child safety, visitation rights, and law enforcement’s role in protecting vulnerable children. Moving forward, the focus will be on both securing justice for the child and reviewing the protocols that govern similar situations.

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