Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Nathan A. Noyes, and Merrimack Police Chief Brian K. Levesque announce that additional information is available regarding the missing person investigation into the disappearance of Elijah Lewis.

This morning, law enforcement authorities located a body in Abington, Massachusetts, in a wooded area off of Chestnut Street. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts will conduct an autopsy tomorrow to determine the identity of the body, and the exact cause and manner of death. While identification is pending, the appearance and condition of the body lead investigators to believe that the body is that of five year-old Elijah Lewis.

The search and discovery today was conducted by the Massachusetts State Police with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit, the Rhode Island State Police, and the Merrimack Police Department. These agencies were assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Abington Police Department, and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Throughout this week, lead investigators have also been assisted by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, resources and personnel through the North East State Police and Administration Conference (NESPAC), the Maine State Police, the Manchester Police Department, and the New York City Transit Police.

"Horrific tragedies like this often spur countless hours of dedication by so many," said Governor Chris Sununu. "On behalf of the people of New Hampshire, I would like to thank New Hampshire and Massachusetts law enforcement and everyone else involved for their tireless focus this past week on bringing closure to this search. May Elijah rest in peace."

General Formella, Colonel Noyes, and Chief Levesque are also thankful for the assistance and response from each of these agencies, as well as for the work of the Bronx District Attorney's Office and the assistance of the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.

"The New Hampshire law enforcement community has worked tirelessly on this search over the past week with partners in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, as well as our federal partners," said Attorney General John Formella. "We extend our sincere thanks to all those who have assisted thus far. While we are deeply saddened by this tragic situation, we are ready for the work ahead."

This matter is now considered a suspicious death, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who may have information on this crime is asked to contact the Merrimack Police Department's Crimeline at (603) 424-2424 or New Hampshire State Police Communications at (603) 223-4381 or 603-MCU-TIPS (603-628-8477). Additional information will be released as it becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigation.