Jaylen Griffin: NY boy who went missing after walking puppy in 2020 found dead in attic

BUFFALO, NEW YORK: The 12-year-old New York boy who disappeared almost four years ago has been found dead in an attic near his family's home.

The last time Jaylen Griffin was spotted walking his puppy close to his Warren Avenue house was on August 4, 2020.

Griffin's disappearance was reported two days later. Three and a half years later, a maintenance man found the young boy's body in the attic of a multi-unit building at 107 Sheffield Avenue, about five miles from his home.

Jaylen Griffin's brother was killed in front of the family's house

Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia of the Buffalo Police Department stated that Jaylen's body was kept in the attic "for a significant amount of time," according to Daily Mail.

"The body that was located in the house had been there for a significant amount of time. I do want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family of Jaylen," Gramaglia said.

"This department has conducted extensive searches and I want Jaylen's family to know that we are working diligently to bring the next closure for the family," Gramaglia went on to say.

While Jaylen's mother Joann Ponzo will never know about her son because she passed away in September 2023 from illness and a "broken heart," his father Brian Griffin has felt some relief since his son was found.

Joann was grieving over more than just Jaylen's mysterious disappearance; in November 2020, Jaylen's brother, Jawaan, had also been shot and killed in front of the family's house.

Neighbors witnessed number of people entering and leaving the house

Following the discovery of Jaylen's body, the neighbors disclosed that they had witnessed several people entering and leaving the house and that the police had visited the residence "many times" throughout the years.

Many locals are curious about what happened and how Jaylen ended up dead in an attic in light of the recent discovery.

Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries informed  WIVB, "How did he end up here? Was he moved? The questions are still remaining."

"How long was he dead? How long was he deceased? Was he found in something that was locked and had to be opened? And did a certain aroma come out that would be a major complaint to this community? This looks like the type of community where if anything is taking place somebody will report it or say something," Newkirk said.

The investigation into a homicide is still ongoing, according to officials.

A reward of $7,500 is being offered for any information related to Jaylen Griffin's death. You can report anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers online at http://crimestopperswny.org or by calling 716-867-6161.