Missing 6-year-old’s body found in pond, police say

ATLANTA (ANF/Gray News) - Police in Georgia say the body of a 6-year-old boy who had developmental disabilities was found in a pond the day after he was reported missing.

Clayton County Police say 6-year-old John Ross III was found dead in a pond Sunday evening. The boy was nonverbal and had developmental disabilities. He was reported missing around 7:45 p.m. Saturday from the Meadow Springs Apartments in College Park.

“It’s hard to to be at peace when something happens like this with a child. It really is hard,” said Donna Vaughn, a neighbor who often saw John visiting his father. “He was a wonderful child, had a beautiful spirit, just a sweet child, beautiful smile. That’s what I’m going to remember the most is his smile.”

Crews from across multiple agencies used drones, ATVs, K-9 units and dive teams to search for John. The Butts County dive team recovered his body from a pond near the apartment complex that police say is no deeper than eight feet.

Police say it is not the outcome they wanted.

“I relate it to a hollow victory. It brings closure to the family. It actually brings closure to all the dive members, all the officers that have been working out here,” said Capt. Nicholas Gailey, Clayton County Police Special Operations Division.

Balloons, flowers and teddy bears now mark the spot where John tragically lost his life.

“Losing a child is never easy, but I’m praying that God would strengthen [the family] in the days to come,” Vaughn said.

Police asked the community to keep the 6-year-old’s family in their thoughts and prayers as they grieve.

The investigation is ongoing, and police say it is unclear if foul play is involved. John’s father was arrested on an unspecified but unrelated charge, according to police.