A 4-year old boy from Jefferson City who was reported missing last week, was found deceased on Tuesday (Oct 30).

A press release from the Jefferson City Police Department indicates that members of a law enforcement search team found the body of Darnell Gray just before noon on Tuesday and a criminal investigation is underway.

The caregiver who reported Gray missing, 26-year old Quatavia L. Givens, of Jefferson City, has been arrested. Givens is being held in the Cole County Jail. Charges of 1st Degree Child Abuse resulting in death are being requested.

Police say Givens had been caring for Darnell while his father worked. She reported him missing on October 24.

Darnell’s body was found in Jefferson City after authorities went door-to-door and drained a retention pond looking for him.*

The investigation is ongoing and Jefferson City Police will release additional information as it becomes available.

*The Associated Press contributed to this story

Darnell Gray
Missouri State Highway Patrol
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