NAPOLIA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Collier County Sheriff’s Office says it is beginning a death investigation after it was discovered that the missing child died in a pond near the family’s home.
Deputies said the family had recently moved to a new residence in Magnolia Pond Circle and had unpacked them when 5-year-old Jalen Santerian realized he went missing around 3:15pm on Saturday.
The family told police that Saintelian was autistic and nonverbal, the CCSO told him.
CCSO has launched an intensive search of the area, including patrol lawmakers, aviation teams, K-9 units, diving teams, marine patrols, EMS staff and the Greater Napoli Fire Department.
The child’s body was found in a pond near his home Sunday morning, CCSO said.
“We are heartbroken for Jalen’s family and thank our fellow first responders and many members of the community who helped us with the search,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
