'You reap what you sow': Grandmother of Jaylen Griffin found dead in attic 4 years after his disappearance sends message to assailant

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK: Shirley Banks had long prayed for answers about her grandson, Jaylen Griffin, who disappeared when he was 12 years old in 2020.

Griffin was last seen walking his puppy near his Warren Avenue residence on August 4, 2020. 

His disappearance was reported two days later. After three and a half years, a maintenance worker discovered the boy's remains in the attic of a multi-unit building at 107 Sheffield Avenue, approximately five miles away from his home.

What did the grandmother of Jaylen Griffin report amid the grisly discovery?

According to 7 News, the grandmother of Jaylen Griffin claimed, “The Lord works in mysterious ways. We didn't know where he was for three and a half years, but I knew it would come to light." 

Banks emphasized that her grandson did not run away, and she is puzzled about how he ended up in Sheffield.

She claimed, "Somebody had to take him there because there's no way he could have walked there, He don't know nobody over there." 

Shirley Banks and Jaylen's relatives are making arrangements for his funeral.

Additionally, they are organizing a memorial on Monday, which would have been Jaylen's 16th birthday.

She also announced a message for anyone responsible for her grandson's death.

"What goes around comes around, you know, you reap what you sow. So whoever did this don't think you're getting away with it because you're not, you're not getting away with it at all. You're gonna pay for what you done. Whoever you are, how old you are. It doesn't matter, you're gonna pay for what you done." 

She asked people to remember Jaylen for his smile. "Remember him as a child," she requested. 

Authorities state that finding his body marks the beginning of a new stage in the investigation. 

They urge anyone with information about Jaylen's case to contact them at 716-847-2255 or reach out to Crime Stoppers WNY at 716-867-6161 or crimestopperswny.org.

What did the neighbors report amid discovery of Jaylen Griffin?

After Jaylen's body was found, neighbors revealed that they had seen numerous individuals entering and leaving the house, and that the police had visited the residence "many times" over the years.

Many locals are wondering about the circumstances surrounding Jaylen's death and how he ended up in the attic after the recent discovery.

Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries told 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 remarked.

Officials have stated that the investigation into the homicide is ongoing.