Tragic End to Search for Missing Infant in Clayton County: Body of 6-Month-Old Nnakai Pratt Found
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A heartbreaking chapter closed on Tuesday evening in Clayton County as authorities discovered the body of 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt, who had been missing for three days. The grim discovery occurred near an apartment complex on Valley Hill Road, the same area where the infant was reported abducted in an alleged armed robbery.
The search for baby Nnakai began Sunday morning after his father, Antonio Pearce, reported that the infant had been taken from their vehicle during a violent confrontation. According to Pearce’s initial statements to police, he was held at gunpoint by assailants who forcibly removed Nnakai from his car seat before fleeing the scene with the child. However, this account quickly came under scrutiny as investigators uncovered inconsistencies in Pearce’s story.
Over the past several days, Clayton County Police, alongside K-9 units and cadaver dogs, conducted exhaustive searches throughout the wooded areas, dumpsters, and drainage systems surrounding the Valley Hill Road apartment complex. Despite these efforts, no trace of the missing infant was found until Tuesday afternoon, when investigators returned to the complex to reexamine the area.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., law enforcement officers established a secure perimeter near a dumpster adjacent to the complex, cordoning off a wooded section with crime scene tape. Less than an hour later, around 7 p.m., police confirmed the devastating discovery of Nnakai Pratt’s body.
Authorities have not yet revealed specifics regarding the location or condition in which the infant was found, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
While the tragedy unfolded, Clayton County Police confirmed that Nnakai’s twin sibling remains unharmed and is currently in the custody of their mother, who is not suspected to be involved in the case.
The investigation took a critical turn earlier this week when Antonio Pearce, the child’s father, was identified as the primary suspect in connection to the infant’s disappearance and death. Pearce had previously been arrested on unrelated charges, including possession of marijuana and multiple traffic violations.
Court documents reveal Pearce’s troubling criminal history, including charges filed in 2022 for simple battery and cruelty to children. Authorities have yet to clarify whether those charges were connected to his own children.
Pearce’s initial claim of an armed robbery resulting in the kidnapping was met with skepticism by investigators due to contradictory evidence and statements. As a result, the investigation shifted focus from a missing child and potential abduction to a suspected criminal homicide.
Police officials have not disclosed whether Pearce will face additional charges related to Nnakai’s death but confirmed that he remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
The Clayton County community has been left reeling by the tragedy. Local leaders and residents have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young life and a renewed call for justice for baby Nnakai and his family.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the case to come forward as the investigation remains active.
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