Authorities in Buffalo, New York, are conducting a homicide investigation after the body of 12-year-old Jaylen Griffin was found in an attic, nearly four years after he went missing. Jaylen was last seen in August 2020 and was reported missing after he failed to return home from a trip to the grocery store. The discovery of Jaylen’s body was made by a maintenance worker in an apartment house where he was working, who then alerted Buffalo police. Jaylen’s mother had passed away in September, with her dying wish being to continue the search for her son.
Medical examiners used dental records to identify Jaylen’s body and concluded that he had been in the attic for a significant amount of time. Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia revealed this information at a press conference, noting that Jaylen’s body was found just one week before his 16th birthday. The location where Jaylen’s remains were found was about five miles away from where he was last seen. Residents in the area have reported seeing various individuals coming and going from the building where Jaylen was found. His grandmother believes that someone had to have taken Jaylen to that location, as he would not have been able to get there on his own.
Jaylen’s father, Brian Griffin, expressed that the discovery of his son’s body has brought up more questions for the family. He mentioned that they are unsure how long Jaylen had been deceased, as there were no signs of odor to indicate his presence in the attic. In the wake of Jaylen’s disappearance, the family has faced additional tragedies, including the death of his brother Jawaan who was shot and killed in front of their family home just three months after Jaylen went missing. The circumstances surrounding Jaylen’s disappearance and death remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Neighbors in the area have shared information with local media outlets, stating that the building where Jaylen’s body was found had seen frequent turnover of residents and police presence. Jaylen’s family has expressed confusion over how he ended up in the house, as he was not known to have connections in that area. His grandmother reiterated that Jaylen was not a runaway and must have been taken to the location. The discovery of Jaylen’s body has brought closure to the family, but they continue to seek answers and justice for Jaylen. The community is mourning the loss of a young life and hoping for more information to come to light in the investigation.
