Missing boy, 4, found dead in pond
The body of a 4-year-old boy who was reported missing Monday evening was found in a pond in Mooresville, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Darren Campbell said the child, Cullen Anthony Lintzenich, had been missing since about 4:30 p.m. Shortly after that, family members found a child’s ride-on toy jeep flipped over and floating in the pond.
Family members called the sheriff’s office, and several local fire departments joined the search.
About 100 searchers assisted, Campbell said.
One man searched on horseback. Crews used search dogs and went door to door. The Charlotte Fire Department Dive Team searched the pond with underwater sonar.
Officials said a diver found Cullen’s body in the water around 10:45 p.m.
Cullen was a foster child who had been living with the family on Craftsman Loop in Mooresville for nearly a year.
In a statement Tuesday, Campbell asked the community “for their prayers and support by respecting the privacy of the family during this very difficult time. Detectives from the sheriff’s office will be continuing to support the family throughout this investigation.”
Staff writer Joe Marusak contributed.
Cleve R. Wootson Jr.: 704-358-5046, @CleveWootson
This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Missing boy, 4, found dead in pond."