New Jersey mom Nakira Griner, 24, reported her 23-month-old son missing on Friday. Now, she’s facing murder charges after investigators found his remains in the backyard.
According to People, the mom contacted Bridgeton City Police Department about the alleged abduction around 6:30 p.m. that evening.
The call ignited massive search for Daniel Griner Jr. that included the use of bloodhounds.
The search came to an end around 3 a.m. Saturday when authorities discovered the remains buried in Griner’s backyard.
Bridgeton police said that the mom has now been charged with murder and crimes related to the child’s death:
Based on the investigation, Nakira Griner has been charged with First Degree Murder, Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Second Degree Desecration of Human Remains, and Fourth Degree Tampering with Evidence. Griner has been lodged in the Cumberland County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Neighbors said that they were shocked to hear about Griner’s arrest for the death of her son. Crystal Castillo told NBC Philadelphia:
“She is, like, the most genuine person in the whole world. My kids were close with her and her kids were close with me. I just don’t know what to do.
Castillo had not seen the little boy for over a month, she said.
Police have not revealed the child’s cause of death or confirmed when it occurred.
Area residents have started a memorial for the boy, placing balloons and flowers near the home where his body was found.
A GoFundMe has been started to support the child’s father, Daniel Griner Sr. The campaign was started by a co-worker of the father who wanted to help him support his surviving child.
The GoFundMe reads:
The father of this little boy is a hard working two job holding RN. He had two baby boys. The mother of his children killed their first born.
No additional arrests are expected at this time, though the investigation is still ongoing.
