The parents of a 14-year-old boy who went missing in Indiana forced him to wear a T-shirt with the words “liar” and “cheater” on it before he disappeared, police said.
Scottie Dean Morris was last seen at 8:30 p.m. on March 16 in his hometown of Eaton, 76 miles northeast of Indianapolis, and the missing persons alert said “he is believed to be in extreme danger and may need medical attention.” .
His parents, Felicia and Brian Morris, were conducting polygraph tests as part of the investigation after police were provided with a harrowing photo of Scottie in a t-shirt to use in the search. It had the words “I’m a liar” handwritten on it with a marker pen and also seemed to say “I hurt my brother”.
Police Chief Jay Turner said Scottie’s parents forced him to wear the shirt as punishment, although it’s unclear for what.
The search for Scottie was suspended Monday night after his mother, Felicia Morris, made a desperate appeal directly to Scottie, urging him to come home.
The Eaton Police Department first released a harrowing photo of Scottie wearing a white T-shirt with the words “I’m a liar” handwritten in marker pen. The picture has been withdrawn, but Scottie is said to have been wearing the t-shirt when he went missing
His mother, Felicia Morris, also immediately begged Scottie to come home
Here is the latest release from WTHR-TV. Scottie if you see this please contact our department! We are here to help you in any way we can! If you have any information regarding Scottie’s whereabouts, please call the department at 765-396-3297, 911 or call 911 765-747-7878.
Posted by the Eaton Indiana Police Department on Monday March 20, 2023
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has now launched a search of local waterways, with boats, sonar systems, drones and dive teams on standby.
After Scottie was reported missing, the Eaton Police Department released the photo of him with the t-shirt. Police later apologized for sharing the image following a backlash over the “humiliating” image and released a version with the t-shirt cut out.
But Chief Turner said it was “the only photograph” given to the department and it was “indicated as an investigative tool,” suggesting it could provide clues as to the circumstances of Scottie’s disappearance or aid the search.
The picture was reportedly taken on the day Scottie went missing and Chief Turner has since confirmed to 21Alive he was forced to wear it as punishment.
The missing persons notice also states that he was “last seen wearing black shoes, red and black shorts and a white T-shirt with writing across the front,” suggesting he was wearing it at the time.
Deputy chief Chris Liggett said Monday that “several interviews were conducted and polygraphs were conducted.
“We have no new leads, no new information, we’re kind of at a standstill right now,” he said.
He said the search was suspended Monday night ahead of a Tuesday meeting between law enforcement officials and other emergency services.
Recent cold weather in the region has also increased concerns for Scottie’s well-being. Last night temperatures have dropped to as low as 34F.
In an emotional appeal to her son, Scottie’s mother said: “Scott, I love you and I want you to come home.
Eaton police halted their search for Scottie Monday night ahead of a Tuesday meeting to decide next steps
Scottie’s mother, Felicia Morris, said: “I know you’re angry and confused and I’m afraid you’re scared of all of this. Everyone is watching you, we’re not trying to scare you. You’re not in trouble.’
Scottie’s mother Felicia at a news conference with Eaton PD Police Commissioner Jay Turner, who apologized after the photo of Scottie in the graffiti t-shirt was released by police
“I know you’re angry and confused, and I’m afraid you’re scared of all of this. Everyone is watching you, we’re not trying to scare you. You are not in trouble.
“If you’re in a house and they come to you and you don’t want to go out because it’s the cops, go for it. Me and dad will come get you. I love you and I just want you to come home. I need to know you’re safe.”
His aunt, Melissa Morris May, has also urged people to share the appeal.
Scottie is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has brown hair with blue eyes.
The search operation included infrared drones, a boat search in a nearby river, and teams of bloodhounds. Eaton is a small town of around 1,600 people and many residents have joined the search effort in recent days.
“There has been tremendous support from the community and we thank each and every one of you who have volunteered during this time,” police said.
If you have information about Scottie Dean Morris, contact the Eaton Police Department at (765) 396-3297 or 911.