FBI affords $25K reward for leads in 1978 disappearance of 4-year-old in Webster

FBI and native investigators are searching for the general public’s assist with new leads within the case of a 4-year-old who disappeared into the woods in Webster in 1978, the company mentioned Tuesday.

“Any clue, anything that would lead to the recovery of my brother, would mean the world to me, would finally give some closure and would give my father some answers before he passes,” mentioned Michelle Amato, the sister of Andrew Amato. “My mother’s not alive any longer for those answers, but I still need them, and I think my father deserves them.”

Andrew Amato, then 4 years outdated, was final seen by his sister and six-year-old cousin taking part in on Sept. 30, 1978 within the wooded space close to the Ash Road Trailer Park in Webster.

Michelle turned again, however the different two youngsters went strolling alongside a path close to what’s now I-395 and got here throughout a brook. Andrew stumbled, the police mentioned, dropping his toy and refusing to go dwelling with out it. The cousin discovered Michelle went again to their cellular properties on Richard Avenue to get assist, however Andrew was gone by the point they returned.

After 47 years of looking, the FBI and Webster Police are searching for the general public’s assist, with federal investigators providing as much as $25,000 reward for info resulting in an arrest or conviction of anybody answerable for his disappearance.

Boston Division FBI Particular Agent in Cost Ted Docks mentioned the household has “endured enough heartache.”

“Your tip could be key to resolving this case and providing the Amatos with some much-needed closure,” mentioned Docks. “No amount of information is too small or irrelevant, and it’s never too late to step up and do the right thing. Yes, it’s been 47 years, but we’re not about to give up on bringing Andy home, and anyone involved in his disappearance to justice.”

Investigators said they’re urging the general public to “play an active role” by reviewing his up to date lacking individual poster and sharing it on social media.

Andrew is a white male with blue eyes, a one-inch scar on the best facet of his hairline and a mole behind his proper ear. He had blond hair and was sporting a maroon-colored snorkel jacket, denims, a white Mickey Mouse t-shirt, and brown footwear with a jogger stripe when he disappeared.

State, native and federal companies launched a seek for the younger boy after his mom reported him lacking that day, police mentioned. The search unfold throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, involving canines, dive groups, helicopters, the Nationwide Guard and extra.

The regulation enforcement carried out practically 100 interviews, the FBI states, and adopted leads throughout the nation.