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Aramazd Andressian, Jr.: Frantic Search Continues For Missing 5-Year-Old Boy, As Family Prays For Safe Return

By Cia Young
Published on: 09:07 PST, May 21, 2017

The search is on to find little Aramazd Andressian, Jr., who went missing almost a month ago from South Pasadena, California, during a visit with his father. The 5-year-old boy’s relatives have spoken out, saying they are praying Aramazd comes home safe and sound.

Searches for Aramazd have taken place in South Pasadena, Orange County, and a lake in Santa Barbara County, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Despite the time that has passed since Aramazd vanished, his relatives believe he is still alive. According to CBS News Los Angeles, the aunt and uncle of the boy’s father, Aramazd Andressian, Sr., 35, said they are unsure about what happened to the young boy, with the aunt expressing she believes he may have been kidnapped.

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The Times reports that Aramazd’s mother last saw him on April 15 while handing him off to his father in the Baldwin Park area. The couple is reportedly going through a divorce and share custody of the boy.

Just days later, on April 22, at around 6:30 a.m., Aramazd’s father was discovered passed out in Arroyo Park in South Pasadena, reports ABC 7 News. Andressian, Sr. had a cut on his head and scrapes on his arms, according to the Times, and his vehicle, a gray BMW, had been doused in gasoline. His son, Aramazd, was nowhere to be found.

https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/photos/a.227394993954088.77910.225060950854159/1751996664827239/?type=3&permPage=1

According to the Times, law enforcement stated the boy’s father had ingested prescription medication that was not prescribed to him.

The father was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and child abduction and held on $10 million bail, but was released only three days later due to lack of evidence, CBS reports.

The Cachuma Lake Recreation Area in Santa Barbara was searched for evidence on April 25 because authorities believed Aramazd’s father had been to the lake just days before the boy was reported gone, reports the Times. Areas of Orange County were also searched, as investigators believed the child’s father had taken him to Disneyland at one point during their visit.

On April 28, a search warrant was executed at the home of Aramazd’s father. The next day he released a statement through his attorney that said the following.

“I am desperate to find my son, Aramazd Jr. and need the public’s help. I hope and pray for the safe return of my only child, my namesake.”

On May 3, a $10,000 reward was offered for any information that may lead to the whereabouts of the child. That amount has increased and the reward is now $20,000, CBS reports.

Two weeks later, on May 17, Aramazd’s mother, Ana Estevez, stated the following during a news conference using her son’s nickname “Piqui,” according to ABC News.

“There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am. Although I do not know his whereabouts, I do believe that Piqui is alive, missing his family and desperately wants to come home… I am counting the days until I see you again, and I will never stop looking for you.”

ABC News reports that detectives also spoke at the news conference, stating that Aramazd’s father admitted to ingesting prescription drugs that were not his. They also noted that in addition to Andressian, Sr.’s BMW being doused with gasoline, matches and a gas can were also found inside the vehicle. Furthermore, a rag that had been soaked in gas was discovered near the gas cap.

A day later, on May 18, authorities returned to the park where Andressian, Sr. was found in order to conduct a larger search. The Times notes that law enforcement now considers Aramazd’s father a person of interest in the boy’s disappearance, stating he has given them statements that were not consistent and “misleading.”

Aramazd is described as having brown hair and brown eyes and weighing about 55 pounds.

Anyone with information about the case involving Aramazd Andressian, Jr. is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

[Featured Image by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department]

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