Police searching for a missing 14-year-old boy in Indiana have polygraphed his parents after a photo provided to help the investigation showed him in a t-shirt daubed with the words ‘liar’ and ‘cheat’.
Scottie Dean Morris was last seen in Eaton, 76 miles northeast of Indianapolis, at 8.30pm on March 16. ‘He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance,’ a missing person alert said.
Police suspended their search on Monday night after his mom, Felicia Morris, issued a desperate appeal to Scottie directly, urging him to come home.
Eaton Police Department initially released a distressing photo of Scottie wearing a white t-shirt with the words ‘I’m a liar’ handwritten onto it with a marker pen. The t-shirt also contained the word ‘cheat’ and appeared to say ‘I hurt my brother’.
Police later apologized for sharing the picture and reissued a version with the t-shirt cropped out. But Police Chief Jay Turner said it was ‘the only photo’ the department was given and it was ‘displayed as an investigation tool’, suggesting it could hold clues about the circumstances of Scottie’s disappearance or aid the search.
Eaton Police Department initially released a distressing photo of Scottie wearing a white t-shirt with the words ‘I’m a liar’ handwritten onto it with a marker pen. The picture was withdrawn but Scottie is thought to have been wearing the t-shirt when he went missing
His mom, Felicia Morris, has also issued a desperate appeal to Scottie directly, urging him to come home
The picture was reportedly taken the day Scottie went missing. The missing person note also says he was ‘last seen wearing black shoes, red and black shorts and a white T-shirt with writing on the front’, suggesting he was wearing it at the time.
Deputy Chief Chris Liggett said on Monday that ‘there have been several interviews done, polygraphs have been conducted’.
‘We have no new leads, no new information, we’re kind of a standstill right now,’ he said.
He said the search was suspended on Monday night ahead of a meeting on Tuesday between law enforcement officials and other emergency services.
The recent cold weather in the region has also added to the concerns for Scottie’s wellbeing. Recent night time temperatures have fallen to as low as 34F.
In an emotional appeal to her son, Scottie’s mother said: ‘Scott, I love you and I want you to come home
Police in Eaton suspended their search for Scottie on Monday night ahead of a meeting on Tuesday to decided the next steps
Scottie’s mom, Felicia Morris, said: ‘I know you are mad and confused and I’m afraid you’re scared with all of this. Everyone is looking out for you, we’re not trying to scare you. You’re not in trouble.’
Scottie’s mom, Felicia, at a press conference with Eaton PD police chief Jay Turner, who apologized after the photo of Scottie in the graffitied t-shirt was released by police
‘I know you are mad and confused and I’m afraid you’re scared with all of this. Everyone is looking out for you, we’re not trying to scare you. You’re not in trouble.
‘If you’re in a house and they come to you and you don’t want to go out because it’s the cops, reach out. Me and dad will come get you. I love you and I just want you to come home. I need to know that you’re safe.’
His auntie, Melissa Morris May, has also urged people to share the appeal.
Scottie is 5 foot 4 inches tall, 150 pounds and has brown hair with blue eyes.
The search operation has included infrared drones, a boat search of a nearby river and bloodhound teams. Eaton is a small town of around 1,600 people and many residents have joined the search efforts in recent days.
‘There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community, and we thank each and every one of you that have volunteered during this time,’ police said.
If you have any information on Scottie Dean Morris, contact the Eaton Police Department at (765) 396-3297 or 911.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
