Missing 5-year-old boy with autism found dead in McKeesport

MCKEESPORT, Pa. — A missing child with autism was found dead in McKeesport on Monday afternoon.

Officials were searching for 5-year-old Malik Patterson, who Channel 11 was told was reported missing after leaving the Harrison Village area of McKeesport around 10 a.m.

We’re told that the boy was found dead in the river on Monday afternoon.

McKeesport Police Chief Jojh Alfer released a statement, which reads in part:

“Our prayers are with the family of the young boy who lost his life today.”

One neighbor tells Channel 11 she’s devastated to learn of the boy’s death.

“I’m devastated, my children play around here a lot. Waking up here this morning, seeing all the police and everything, that’s something I don’t want to wake up to,” Jasmine Stevens said.

We have a crew on scene working to learn more. Check back for updates.

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