Authorities in Oregon are now investigating the death of 5-year-old Joshua McCoy, whose body was found last month in a wooded area less than two miles from his home, as a potential case of foul play.
Joshua, who had autism and was non-verbal, was reported missing after his mother, Angela German, woke up from a nap and discovered her son was gone.
What followed was a three-day search by local and federal authorities that tragically ended with the discovery of Joshua’s remains on November 12.
The investigation has taken a new turn after a search warrant affidavit, filed in Coos County this week, raised doubts about the circumstances of the boy’s death.
According to the affidavit, investigators found no marks or signs of injury on Joshua’s bare feet that would suggest he had walked the distance to the woods.
Authorities also noted the absence of any trauma or cuts on his body that would typically occur if he had walked through brambles or dense brush.
A key detail mentioned in the affidavit was the presence of tire tracks near Joshua’s body, which led investigators to scrutinize the possibility that he may not have walked to the location on his own.
Suspiciously, mud was found on the tires of Angela German’s car, further complicating the investigation.
While the cause of Joshua’s death remains undetermined, these findings suggest that his disappearance and death may not have been as straightforward as initially believed.
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The investigation is ongoing, with the Oregon Department of Human Services also looking into Joshua’s care under his mother’s supervision.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s father, Lawson Amos McCoy, has expressed his anguish over the loss, calling for the truth to be revealed.
The family is also fundraising to cover funeral costs and to hire a private investigator to aid in uncovering what truly happened to the young boy.
A local vigil was held in Joshua’s honor, and the community continues to mourn his tragic death as authorities work to unravel the mystery surrounding it.