The search for the 21-month old girl reported missing Sunday ended in tragic fashion when the body was found Tuesday in the Inner Harbor. Details are starting to tell the story of an abduction and alleged murder.
State police divers might not have wanted to find what they were looking for after tips – some from the baby’s father – directed them to the icy waters of the inner harbor. A yellow bag contained the body of what authorities believe is likely Maddox Lawrence. Police Chief Frank Fowler says such cases – which gripped the public this last two days - are among the toughest parts of the job for police
“We’re willing to step up and don those badges and uniforms each day to stand in the gap to try and assure that something like this doesn’t happen. And when it does, yeah we want to bring closure for the family…but boy, it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Fowler confirmed some past details of the case: That 24-year-old Ryan Lawrence was reported missing Sunday night along with the baby; that he was later arrested in Baldwinsville following an Amber Alert and media reports that included his picture.
“This citizen picked up the phone, just as we would ask all citizens to do, and called the police department. We were able to locate Ryan Lawrence and bring him to CID. At this point we didn’t know the whereabouts of Baby Maddox.”
Fowler would not speculate why Lawrence ran with the child, nor about his mental state. He did say between witnesses, crime cameras and other evidence, they were able to charge Lawrence with second degree murder.
Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick has released information that the killing actually occurred in Cortland County near Labrador Hollow. Fitzpatrick added the mother, Morgan Lawrence, was not involved. Police Chief Fowler – obviously moved by the case – made a plea to anyone considering harming a child.
“If a person out there is struggling in whatever way they may be, just remember that child deserves a chance. If you can’t provide them with what is going to be required for them to become a healthy adult, then separate yourself from that child. There are plenty of agencies out here in Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse where people are willing to help out.”
The identity of the body still has to be confirmed by D-N-A as the 21-month old Maddox Lawrence. Ryan Lawrence is being held without bail …and will be arraigned on murder charges later today.
