Authorities suspect foul play in the tragic case of a 5-year-old boy, Joshua McCoy, whose body was found in the woods just days before his birthday. The boy, who was nonverbal and autistic, was reported missing on November 9 by a family friend, and his death has since raised suspicions of murder.
According to court documents, Joshua’s mother, Angela German, told police she had gone to sleep with her son around 1:30 p.m. on the day he went missing. When she woke up around 3 p.m., Joshua was gone. She explained that she had been feeling depressed and had been taking medication to help her sleep.
Joshua’s body was discovered three days later, on November 12. Court documents state that the boy was found naked and appeared to have been left in the woods. His phone was also located near his body. During the investigation, police uncovered that Oregon’s Department of Human Services had previously opened a case against German due to claims of neglect and mistreatment toward Joshua.
When officers searched the home, they found unsanitary conditions, as well as multiple prescription pill bottles, syringes, and an unused box of Narcan in German’s bedroom. Further investigation revealed that before living in Oregon, German, and Joshua had been residing in Utah with a family friend, who reported Joshua’s disappearance to authorities.
The family friend told police that German had been sleeping excessively and neglecting Joshua’s care. She also claimed that her husband had kicked them out of their home in October.
While Angela German has not been officially charged, investigators believe they have gathered enough evidence to pursue a potential murder charge. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Joshua’s tragic death.