Body of East Harlem teen still missing
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - A 15-year-old from East Harlem was on his way home Sunday night when he somehow landed in the water. He has been missing ever since. His family says police aren't doing enough to find him.
It's a heartbreaking mystery for Karen Cintron. Her son Malik Ford was last seen on his way home about 11 p.m. Sunday walking across the Randall's Island Bridge with his girlfriend and another couple. Police say one of the teens told them Malik somehow fell or jumped into the water.
But Cintron told us that it just doesn't add up.
The bridge has high barrier-style railings all along the walkway. Initially, there was a massive response with NYPD and FDNY. But Cintron told me they did not find him. She said she feels the search did not go on long enough, especially compared to the relentless hunt for the gun used to murder Police Officer Randolph Holder at the same location last October.
Outside the family's home at the East River Houses, Malik's friends created a memorial and place where they could console each other. Cintron believes they know more than they're saying. In search of answers, she brought a community leader to meet with detectives about the investigation. She was too upset to speak afterwards.
Officially the NYPD told Fox 5 that Malik jumped into the water and was not found, and that the investigation is open and active.
Residents and local leaders are planning to do their own search on Saturday.