Georgia Father Named Suspect After Claiming 6-Month-Old Son Was Abducted During Armed Robbery, Police Say
CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA — Police in Georgia say a father’s claim that his 6-month-old baby was kidnapped during a robbery is unraveling, as investigators now believe the child’s disappearance may involve foul play — and that the father himself may be responsible.
Antonio Pearce, of Riverdale, reported to police Sunday morning that his infant son, Nnakai Pratt, had been abducted by multiple suspects during an armed robbery outside his apartment complex. But detectives say his story quickly began to fall apart under questioning.
Police: Father’s Testimony “Highly Questionable”
According to a Clayton County Police Department press release, officers were called around 8:18 a.m. Sunday to the 100 block of Valley Hill Road after Pearce reported his child missing. He claimed that several men held him at gunpoint and stole his son, who was sitting in a car seat carrier, before fleeing “in an unknown direction.”
However, as detectives gathered evidence and re-interviewed Pearce, they noticed “inconsistent testimony” and contradictory physical evidence that did not match his version of events.
“The facts surrounding the disappearance of baby Nnakai Pratt are highly questionable,” the department said in a statement. “Detectives have deemed Nnakai Pratt’s father to be a suspect in his sudden disappearance.”
Police say the investigation shifted focus after discrepancies emerged in Pearce’s account of the robbery, prompting a deeper probe into his role in the case.
Search Efforts Turn Up No Sign of Baby
Authorities have conducted extensive searches of the apartment complex, surrounding wooded areas, and other potential sites tied to Pearce. K-9 search and rescue teams were deployed but found no trace of the infant.
Officers also executed multiple search warrants at locations connected to Pearce, and a vehicle near his home was towed for forensic examination. Despite these efforts, officials say the searches have “yielded no findings.”
Pearce was taken into custody on unrelated charges, including marijuana distribution and a child restraint violation, according to police. He remains under investigation in connection with his son’s disappearance.
Community Shock and Fear Grow
The disappearance of baby Nnakai Pratt has left residents of the Clayton County neighborhood deeply disturbed.
Neighbor Meshia Sikes told FOX 5 Atlanta that officers have been scouring the area for days, searching through bushes, dumpsters, and wooded areas.
“They’re actively going into the bushes. I’ve seen them looking into trash cans,” Sikes said. “It’s disturbing to wake up every day and see we’re still looking for a 6-month-old baby that can’t fend for himself.”
Another neighbor, Tracy Karch, expressed heartbreak and concern about the case’s outcome.
“For such a helpless little child, I don’t think there’s going to be a good end to this,” Karch said. “Everyone knows it.”
Police confirmed that Nnakai’s twin sibling is safe with their mother, but the missing infant’s whereabouts remain unknown.
As of Tuesday afternoon, baby Nnakai Pratt had still not been found. Detectives continue to investigate the case as a potential criminal act involving foul play.
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