20-Year-Old Father A Person Of Interest In Disappearance Of 2-Year-Old Son In The Bronx

James

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Post on Jun 12, 2025

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20-Year-Old Father a Person of Interest in Bronx Toddler's Disappearance

Bronx, NY – October 26, 2023 – The disappearance of two-year-old Miguel Rodriguez Jr. in the Bronx has sent shockwaves through the community, with investigators focusing their attention on the child's 20-year-old father, Miguel Rodriguez Sr., who is currently listed as a person of interest. The unsettling case has garnered significant media attention and raised serious concerns about the safety of young children in the borough.

The NYPD launched a full-scale investigation after the toddler was reported missing from his family's apartment in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx on Tuesday evening. Rodriguez Jr.’s mother, identified only as 21-year-old Maria Hernandez, stated that she last saw her son in his crib around 9 pm. Upon discovering him missing around 6 am Wednesday, she immediately contacted authorities.

<h3>Father's Statement Under Scrutiny</h3>

While Rodriguez Sr. has cooperated with the investigation, inconsistencies in his statements have led detectives to classify him as a person of interest. Police sources reveal that his account of the night’s events has changed several times, and investigators are currently working to verify his alibi. He has not been charged with any crime at this time.

"We are treating this as a missing person case, but we are exploring all possibilities," stated NYPD Detective Robert Miller at a press conference earlier today. "The father's cooperation has been… less than complete. We are actively pursuing all leads and urging anyone with information to come forward."

<h3>Community Rallies in Support</h3>

The disappearance of little Miguel Rodriguez Jr. has galvanized the Bronx community. Volunteers have joined forces with the NYPD, scouring the neighborhood and distributing flyers with the toddler’s picture. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support the family and aid in the search efforts. The outpouring of support highlights the deep concern and collective effort to bring the child home safely.

The NYPD is particularly interested in any surveillance footage from the area surrounding the Rodriguez family's residence, as well as any information concerning the father's activities between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

<h3>Child Abduction Statistics in New York City</h3>

While the exact circumstances surrounding Miguel Rodriguez Jr.’s disappearance remain unclear, this case underscores the critical issue of child abduction in New York City. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), [link to NCMEC statistics on child abduction], a significant number of missing children are abducted by a family member. This tragic case highlights the importance of parental vigilance and community awareness in safeguarding children.

<h3>Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps</h3>

The NYPD's investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to interview witnesses, analyze evidence, and explore various leads. The search for Miguel Rodriguez Jr. remains a top priority, and authorities are hopeful that the public's cooperation will help bring this young child home safely. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Keywords: Miguel Rodriguez Jr., Bronx toddler missing, NYPD investigation, person of interest, child abduction, missing child, Fordham Heights, New York City, missing person case, community support