Body Of Missing 5-Year-Old Recovered In Allentown Canal

By Greg Argos, Kristen Johanson

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - Allentown investigators say they have found the body of an autistic boy who went missing from a New Year's Eve party.

Authorities say divers found the body of five-year-old Jayliel Vega Batista Saturday in a canal.

Allentown Police Chief Keith Morris says just before the discovery, a search and rescue volunteer found the child's tablet in the water, just 30 yards from where Jayliel was found.

"I went in up to about my chest and it was a tablet," says volunteer George Keller. "We picked it up, brought it up to the truck and called 9-1-1."

"At that point in time, we organized divers to enter into the area," Morris says, "or enter into the canal at that point in time and a member of the Allentown Fire Department recovered the body."

Morris says so far, no foul play is suspected:

"This is being considered a tragic accident, however there will be a full investigation by the Allentown Criminal Investigation Division, in conjunction with the Lehigh County coroner's office."

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski says an overwhelming number of volunteers pulled together to try to find the boy:

"This is a sad day for our city, and a sad conclusion to the search."

Jayliel went missing Thursday night, after officials say he walked away from a house party barefoot and without a jacket.

The family reported him missing around 10:30 p.m. The massive search quickly followed.

"I came all the way from Williamsport, Pa. just to help," Keller said.

On Saturday night, dozens gathered for a vigil as the Allentown community continues to grieve.

Authorities aren't sure if the boy drowned or died beforehand. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

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• Body Found