FBI and local researchers seek the help of the public in new leads in the case of a 4-year-old who disappeared in the forest in Webster in 1978, the office said Tuesday.
“Every indication, everything that would lead to my brother’s recovery, would mean the world for me, would finally give some closure and give my father some answers before he passes,” said Michelle Amato, the sister of Andrew Amato. “My mother no longer lives for those answers, but I still need them, and I think my father deserves them.”
Andrew Amato, then 4 years old, was last seen by his sister and the six -year -old cousin who played on September 30, 1978 in the wooded area near the Ash Street Trailer Park in Webster.
Michelle returned, but the other two children walked past a path near what is now I-395 and came across a stream. Andrew stumbled, the police said, dropped his toys and refused without going home without. The cousin discovered that Michelle went back to their mobile homes on Richard Avenue to get help, but Andrew was gone against the time they returned.
After 47 years of searching, the FBI and Webster Police seek the help of the public, whereby federal researchers offer up to $ 25,000 for information that leads to an arrest or conviction of anyone responsible for his disappearance.
Boston Division FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said that the family “has passed enough heartache.”
“Your tip can be the key to resolve this case and offer the amatos a much needed closure,” said Docks. “No amount of information is too small or irrelevant, and it is never too late to perform and do it right. Yes, it is 47 years ago, but we are not about to bring Andy home, and everyone involved in his disappearance before the dish.”
Researchers stated that they encourage the public to “play an active role” by assessing and sharing his updated poster with a missing person on social media.
Andrew is a white man with blue eyes, a scar of one inch on the right side of his hairline and a mole behind his right ear. He had blond hair and wore a chestnut snorkel jacket, jeans, a white mickey mouse t-shirt and brown shoes with a jogger stripe when he disappeared.
State, local and federal agencies launched a search for the young boy after his mother missed him that day, the police said. The search spread over Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, in which dogs, diving teams, helicopters, the National Guard and more were involved.
The law enforcement held almost 100 interviews, the FBI States, and followed leads throughout the country.
Michelle Amato said her brother was a “sweet, caring little boy.”
“Imagine it was your child or brother who was missing,” said Michelle Amato. “Imagine what sadness you would bring, and how you could deal with it without knowing for 47 years.”
The researchers insisted on everyone with information to contact the FBI on 1-800-call-fbi (1-800-225-5324) or the Webster Police Department on 508-943-1212, EXT. 1250. Tips can also be submitted online on tips.fbi.gov.
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