MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Memphis police say the body of a small child found inside a downtown dumpster is that of a 3-year-old boy reported missing Sunday night.
Maurice Brown, Jr. was reported missing late Sunday, July 1 by the father, who told police the child disappeared while he was taking a nap. Brown, Sr. stated concern that his gang affiliation had led to his son's disappearance.
Investigators later took Maurice Brown, Sr. into custody and charged him with Aggravated Child Neglect after blood was found in their bathroom consistent with blunt force trauma. A neighbor also told police he saw Brown leave his apartment with a child over his shoulder Sunday evening.
Police continued their search for the child, and recovered the child's body from a dumpster near Vance Avenue and Abel Street on Tuesday, July 3. Director Armstrong said the entire dumpster will go to the crime lab as their investigation continues.
