CLAIBORNE, LOUISIANA: A Louisiana family is devastated after the body of their toddler was found half a mile from his home in Claiborne.
As per authorities, 17-month-old De Angelo Manning was killed in an animal attack after he wandered away from his residence.
The authorities were informed about the missing child at around 10 am on Monday, September 18, along with a four-year-old after the two walked away.
Shortly after, deputies found the four-year-old wandering a half mile from the residence. The child was given treatment by EMS teams and only had minor scratches.
Extensive search team to find De Angelo Manning
Many hoped for a miracle, as deputies, state troopers, canine officers, volunteer firemen, and private citizens tirelessly searched for the toddler.
Around midday, Manning’s body was recovered from an area where timber had recently been cut down, reports Daily Mail.
In a statement, Sheriff Sam Dowies said the cause of death is likely to be an animal attack. The Claiborne Parish coroner directed that De Angelo’s body be sent for an autopsy. There is no clarity on what kind of animal attacked the baby as the investigation continues.
Angelica Marquez, the mother of the child, said in an emotional post on social media, “I found out I was pregnant [with] you on my birthday it was a big surprise for me.”
“I was happy, so happy to have you, your brothers loved you so much still do you where my baby. You where always smiling you will bring a smile out of people, you where amazing trust me you where my snoopy my best friend,” she continued.
She further added, “I remember the day me and your daddy chose your name while you where in my belly. I remember you help me get through so much on the hard times you do not know how sorry I am that I wasn't there.”
Continuing to address her son, she said, “I'm trying to keep calm for your brothers, I hate so much that you didn't meet your brother, that I didn't hold you one last time, kissed you and said I love you because I love you son, I'm so hurt and so mad.”
“I just don't know how to get through this baby I'm so sorry,” she concluded.
Fundraiser created for toddler's funeral
The toddler’s relative, Evelyn Ayala, has started a fundraising page on GoFundMe for his funeral, appealing for assistance.
Ayala wrote, “My family is going through a very difficult time at the moment. De Angelo Manning, son of my cousin Angelica Marquez had a fatal accident in which he lost his life.”
“We are asking to help to cover his funeral expenses. At the moment she is not receiving calls, and we would appreciate it if you could understand the situation that has happened.”
