Tampa, FL- Tragically, authorities have discovered the lifeless body of a 4-year-old boy in a nearby body of water after he was reported missing earlier today in Orange County.
Amere Baptiste had gone missing from his residence on Victoria Place Circle, located near Waterford Lakes Parkway and Alafaya Trail, on Monday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies had asked the community to be vigilant and keep an eye out for him, considering his age and safety.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media and broke the bad news. The post said, “It is with heavy hearts that we must share that our deputies have found Amere Baptiste deceased in a body of water near the home where he was reported missing earlier today. Our detectives are still looking into how this tragedy occurred. We are mourning his loss, and know our community joins us in extending our deepest condolences and prayers to his family”.
Initially, the post read, “MISSING CHILD: We need your help locating 4-year-old Amere Baptiste, who wandered away from his home on the 12600 block of Victoria Place Circle this morning (8/5) near Waterford Lakes Parkway and Alafaya Trail.
There is extreme concern for his well-being due to his age. He was wearing dark blue onesie top, green pants, white socks and no shoes when he was last seen this morning.
Please share, and if you see Amere, call 911 immediately”.