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Amber Mercer hugs Serena McLane, 7, during a vigil for Braylen Noble on Sept. 9 at Hunter's Ridge Apartments in Toledo.
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Investigation has no new developments in Braylen Noble case

THE BLADE/REBECCA BENSON

Investigation has no new developments in Braylen Noble case

Investigators have issued no updates a month after a missing toddler’s body was found in a swimming pool at the apartment complex where he lived.

The body of Braylen Noble, 3, was recovered Sept. 9 from the pool at Hunter’s Ridge Apartments off Gibraltar Heights Drive in South Toledo. Lt. Kellie Lenhardt, spokesman for Toledo police, said only that the investigation was ongoing and police will provide an update when one is available.

The department has not issued any other comment since the toddler’s body was found, and no arrests have been made.

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Jeffrey Holloway, the boy’s grandfather, said Wednesday the family hasn’t heard from police either.

Braylen Noble
Alexandra Mester
Months later, investigators have no updates in death of Braylen Noble

“They haven’t talked to us and we haven’t talked to them,” he said, adding that every day is difficult for the family.

The boy, who was autistic and nonverbal, had been reported missing Sept. 4 after having reportedly vanished from a room in the apartment whose only outdoors exit was through a third-floor window. A massive search, both by officials and hundreds of volunteers, ensued.

His mother, Dajnae Cox, and grandmother Bobbie Johnson, who lived at the apartments, have been questioned several times, police said.

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The initial results of an autopsy by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office were inconclusive, finding no anatomic cause of death or signs of injury. Drowning had not been ruled out, but additional tests and further investigation are pending.

The family held a private funeral through House of Day. The toddler’s obituary called him a “very energetic, lovable, funny, little guy.”

Numerous people posted messages on the funeral home’s page. Many said they didn’t know the boy or the family, but offered condolences, prayers, and hopes for justice.

“The world is in complete [chaos] and despair right now but our love for you brought us all together,” Faith Downey wrote to the child.

Braylen Noble
The Editorial Board
Justice for Braylen

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Crime Stopper program at 419-255-1111. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

First Published October 15, 2020, 1:47 p.m.

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Amber Mercer hugs Serena McLane, 7, during a vigil for Braylen Noble on Sept. 9 at Hunter's Ridge Apartments in Toledo.  (THE BLADE/REBECCA BENSON)  Buy Image
A photo of Braylen Noble and balloons hang on the pool fence where his body was found at Hunter's Ridge Apartments in Toledo, Ohio, on Sept. 10.  (THE BLADE/REBECCA BENSON)  Buy Image
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