6-Month-Old Found Dead Near Father’s Apartment After Dad’s Kidnapping Story Unravels, Police Say
CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA — A heartbreaking discovery was made Tuesday night after 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt, whose father claimed he was kidnapped during an armed robbery, was found dead near the father’s apartment complex in Riverdale, according to investigators.
Officials say the baby’s father, Antonio Pearce, fabricated the abduction story and is now considered a suspect in his son’s death.
Father’s Story Falls Apart Under Police Scrutiny
The case began Sunday morning when Pearce called 911 to report that his son had been abducted. He told officers that armed robbers stole the infant—still strapped in a car seat carrier—before fleeing “in an unknown direction.”
However, as police dug deeper, his story began to unravel. Detectives from the Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) reported finding inconsistencies in Pearce’s testimony and physical evidence that pointed to foul play.
“At this moment, the facts surrounding the disappearance of baby Nnakai Pratt are highly questionable,” CCPD said in a statement. “Detectives have deemed Nnakai’s father to be a suspect in his sudden disappearance.”
Baby Found “In the Immediate Vicinity” of Father’s Home
Following extensive searches around the apartment complex and nearby wooded areas, investigators discovered the infant’s body “in the immediate vicinity” of Pearce’s home.
Clayton County Medical Examiner Brian Byars confirmed the location and said an autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.
“He was in the immediate vicinity of where they were searching,” Byars said. “We’re going to be doing an autopsy, hopefully this week.”
Contrary to earlier media reports, Byars clarified that the baby was not found in a dumpster, but nearby.
Father Remains in Custody on Unrelated Charges
Pearce, 30, was arrested on unrelated charges, including marijuana distribution and child restraint violations, while police continued the homicide investigation. He remains in custody without bond, officials said.
Detectives have also executed multiple search warrants at locations tied to Pearce, including his apartment and nearby vehicles. One car near his home was seized and is being examined for evidence.
“This is a nightmare,” said neighbor Meshia Sikes, who described the search effort as “heart-wrenching” and said the discovery left the entire community shaken.
Twin Sibling Safe as Investigation Continues
Authorities confirmed that Nnakai had a twin sibling, who is safe and currently in the care of their mother. The investigation into the baby’s death is ongoing, with the Clayton County Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation working together to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Officials say charges related to Nnakai’s death could follow once autopsy results are finalized and forensic evidence is reviewed.
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