Columbus, Ohio – The Columbus Division of Police announced on Friday that a 5-year-old Ohio boy who had been missing since Wednesday has been found dead. His foster mother, Pammy Maye, 48, has been arrested and charged with his murder. The boy, Darnell Taylor, was found in a sewage drain in the 1000 block of Marsdale Avenue in southwest Columbus. Maye provided information about his whereabouts to the police.
The investigation began after Maye woke her husband up to tell him the boy had been hurt, and then fled the scene. A statewide Amber Alert was issued for Taylor not long after. Maye was arrested in a Cleveland suburb, wearing a nightgown, and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Her vehicle had been found in a nearby apartment complex about 150 miles from Columbus.
Police Chief Elaine R. Bryant stated that the case is now a homicide investigation, and details about the boy’s death could not be provided. The case has brought about a tragic development, and the police are determined to seek justice for Darnell despite the devastating outcome.
According to a court document seen by news sources, Maye’s husband called 911 shortly before 3 a.m. on Wednesday, reporting that she had allegedly killed the child. Maye was also charged with first-degree felony kidnapping and third-degree felony endangering children. The couple had been Taylor’s legal guardians since May.
This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of protecting vulnerable young individuals from harm. The tragedy has left the community in shock, and the authorities are focused on bringing justice for Darnell as the investigation continues.