POLICE are investigating a mother after her 12-year-old autistic son was allegedly killed by an alligator.
The boy, Bryan Vasquez, was found in a New Orleans lagoon after he climbed out of his window in only a diaper days earlier, sparking a missing person’s search.
The city’s coroner ruled that he had died of blunt force trauma and drowning that occurred during an alligator attack.
The details of the boy’s escape are now under investigation after his mother was issued a search warrant for her phone by the New Orleans Police Department, according to reports.
“It may mean nothing,” Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said during a press conference.
“It is not an unusual step to take.”
The police response was also heavily questioned after officers took five hours to show up after Vasquez went missing, per documents obtained by WDSU.
The boy, who was also nonverbal, was found surrounded by two alligators when the United Cajun Navy deployed thermal drones.
The volunteer who found him had said the animals were storing his body underwater until they had gotten scared by the drones.
“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Jon Gusanders, the man who located Vasquez, said.
“And I hope to never see anything like that again.”
The two alligators, Gusanders estimates, were 9 to 11 feet long and about 6 feet long.
They continuously tried to keep the boy’s body by hiding and pushing him further along until responders were finally able to scare them away.
Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife was sent to the waterway to get rid of “nuisance alligators,” according to officials.
Vasquez had been missing for 12 days, his death now being ruled as an unclassified investigation.
Hilda Vasquez, his mother, had injured the boy when he was just three months old in 2013, according to a police report reviewed by NOLA.
New Orleans statement on Bryan’s death
“The City of New Orleans is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryan Vasquez, a beloved child whose life, though far too short, left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community.
“The City also extends its gratitude to the New Orleans Police Department, the Cajun Navy, and all agencies and volunteers who came together to support the Vasquez family during this difficult time.
“Bryan’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him, and his light will continue to shine as a reminder of resilience, innocence, and love.
“May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”
Source: City of New Orleans
At the time, he was taken to the hospital with extensive injuries: a damaged lung, fractured legs, a skull fracture, and retinal hemorrhages, the outlet reported.
Documents say that doctors claimed his injuries were “acute and suspicious of non-accidental trauma,” and said that he was physically abused.
Hilda had then received cruelty to juveniles charges in 2014. She then pleaded guilty to negligent treatment or neglect, according to NOLA.
He was placed in foster care before being returned to his mom, the outlet said.
Another report came out years later, when in 2021, that said that Bryan had bruises and tapeworms.
Documents say his disability was classified as “traumatic brain injury (non-accidental),” although Hilda described him as autistic, NOLA wrote.
“This is a continuing investigation,” Kirkpatrick said.
“It is not over. We will be looking at every aspect, and histories.”
