Tragically, a three-month-old infant named Jacob Moneus was discovered deceased on Sunday, just a day after Indiana authorities issued a Silver Alert for his safety.
The Lafayette Police Department reported that Jacob was declared missing around noon on Saturday, indicating he was “in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.”
The Silver Alert was canceled Sunday morning following the discovery of the child’s body. The police’s Detective Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement, police expressed their condolences, saying, “This is a devastating development, and our thoughts are with Jacob’s family during this incredibly difficult time.” They committed to a thorough investigation into the tragedy.
Jacob’s father, 28-year-old Elisard Moneus, was arrested in Indianapolis on Saturday and faces multiple charges, including domestic battery resulting in serious injury and attempted murder.
According to reports, Jacob’s mother sought medical help after suffering an assault by Elisard, who allegedly attacked her with a tire iron. Following her statement, police investigating her apartment found no sign of Jacob at first, but he was discovered the next morning in a concealed area.
The Tippecanoe County Coroner has yet to publicly identify the infant, as a forensic autopsy is scheduled for Monday. Coroner Carrie Costello indicated that the investigation is being treated as a potential homicide.
Neighbors reported having no awareness of any domestic issues or disturbances from the Moneus residence. Elisard Moneus remains in custody without bond at Tippecanoe County Jail.
If anyone has information related to this case, they are urged to contact the Lafayette Police Department at 765-807-1200.
Lafayette, a city of over 70,000, is located about 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis.
Understanding Silver Alerts
The Silver Alert system is designed to notify the public about missing persons, primarily targeting elderly individuals with cognitive impairments. It can also apply to missing children who are not believed to be abducted. For abduction cases, AMBER Alerts are more commonly utilized.
Silver Alerts are widely broadcast across various platforms, including radio, television, and roadside signs.