On Thursday, May 4, the body of a 3-year-old girl named Munawar Hadi was discovered in a pond in Stafford County, Virginia. The discovery was made just a few hours after she was reported missing.
The case is currently being investigated by WRIC. Authorities suspect that the toddler’s death may have been the result of an accident. According to reports, she was last seen around 3:30 on Thursday.
Over 460,000 children are reported missing each year, according to the Global Missing Children’s Network. According to the FBI, almost half of the missing children are runaways, while others are victims of human trafficking or predators.
Stafford Munawar Hadi Missing 3-year-old girl Found Dead
Munawar Hadi’s family reported her missing at approximately 4:30. Officials were told that she was last seen at her home in Rappahannock Landing neighborhood in Fredericksburg, Stafford County.
In the initial stages of the search, a community center was set up in the local subdivision, in order to co-ordinate the initiative. Stafford County authorities noted that several teams were deployed to comb the surrounding areas for any sign of Munawar Hadi. Deputies began by canvassing the neighboring areas, and speaking to residents about the case. Further resources included the use of drones, a police boat and multiple K-9 units.
At 7:10, authorities discovered the body of Munawar Hadi in a pond. The three year old was transported to a local hospital, where medical professionals attempted CPR on her for over an hour before she was pronounced dead.
In an official statement to the Press, a spokesman from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said:
“There are no words to describe our grief at this devastating outcome. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s family during this difficult time. We would like to thank everyone who provided tips, Ring video, and who joined us in our search. Please continue to keep the family of this little girl in your prayers.”
No foul play is suspected in the incident.
WSLS noted that there are currently around 650 people missing in Virginia. Wavy News reported that of this number, as many as 435 of the missing people are children.
If authorities suspect that a child is missing, they use the AMBER alert system to notify various police stations and their surrounding communities. The system was first implemented in the United States, but it is now used worldwide. The alert is only sent out if authorities have evidence that the child has been abducted, and that they are in serious danger which risks injury or death.
As no abduction is suspected at this point in the investigation, it appears as though the case of Munawar Hadi stems from her wandering away from home. Her family have not spoken to media regarding the incident.