"This is a sad day for our searchers. This is a sad day for our city," Pawlowski said.
Officers were going door to door around the East Side Allentown neighborhood in which the autistic 5-year-old had gone missing Thursday night — reportedly without shoes, socks or a jacket — and searchers launched boats with dogs on the Lehigh River and the canal. Saturday afternoon, they said, a tablet he had been playing with when he walked walked away from a family New Year's Eve party in the 200 block of East Union Street had been found in the water by a resident in nearby Canal Park.
Saturday evening, they made a tragic announcement: Jayliel's body had been found in the canal. Morris said the death is being considered "a tragic accident," but added that a full investigation is underway and an autopsy will be conducted Monday.
Jayliel's body was found by divers about a quarter-mile from where he went missing, about eight feet from the canal bank in about six feet of 39-degree water — about 30 yards from where the tablet was found, police said. Throughout the search, people from the Lehigh Valley and beyond tried to help authorities, though police said volunteers' efforts were best spent watching their properties for any sign Batista had taken shelter.
Officials thanked volunteers and agencies from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York that assisted in the search.
"It makes me very proud to be a part of this city, knowing that community members care so much," the chief said.
Of the child's family, Morris said "this is a difficult time for them and they are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers." Pawlowski noted Elias Funeral Home has offered to provide funeral services for free.
"This is a sad conclusion to the search. This is a sad day for our city," the mayor said. "As always our city pulled together."
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