Missing Ind. boy found dead in creek

AURORA, Ind. - Indiana Conservation Officers found the body of a 7-year-old missing autistic boy from Aurora, Ind.

Officials called search crews back Monday morning after a volunteer on a kayak found a body that matched the description of John Burton, Jr. in the North Hogan Creek around 9:15 a.m., which is about a quarter of a mile from where the search was centralized.

Officials notified the boy's family and provided grief counselors.

9 News learned Monday afternoon that this same family lost a young daughter a few years ago to what investigators are calling an illness.

Aurora Police Chief Bryan Fields said his heart was breaking for the family. He said, "This has been very taxing and emotional for everyone involved, not just police, but all of the volunteers. It's been very emotional for them. For everyone involved, it's just been a very tough and very sad occasion."

A friend of the family, Mike Abbott, made a statement thanking all those involved in the search.

"It can happen to anybody. Don't take anything for granted in the blink of an eye. I've lost a son myself and now my best friend, he's lost his little boy. Just keep your eye on your kids because, that quick, they can be taken from you," said Abbott.

The search for Burton, Jr. began on Sunday just after the family reported him missing around noon when he wandered away from his home in the 400 block of Park Avenue. The family was in the process of moving in to their new place when he wandered away with his dog. The dog returned home, but he did not.

More than 100 people spread out to search woods, local waterways, pastures and neighborhoods Sunday and into Monday morning.

Just after 9 a.m., police called back all of the search crews and then informed everyone of the discovery of the boy in the water.

Aurora police say the investigation into the boy's cause of death continues and that they will provide updates whenever they become available.

To help the family, you can make donations to the John Burton Memorial Fund at any Fifth Third Bank.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for the latest on this investigation.