12-year-old Bryan Vasquez died from blunt force trauma from an alligator, police say. NOPD is reviewing response delay and executing phone search warrants.
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Police confirmed Wednesday that 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez died from blunt force injuries caused by an alligator and subsequently drowned, following a 12-day search that ended in tragedy.
At a news conference outside NOPD headquarters, Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the Orleans Parish Coroner determined the cause of death after completing an autopsy of the body found Tuesday in a lagoon near Bryan’s home in the Michoud area of New Orleans East.
“We know that these are difficult outcomes and we still have quite a grieving community and a grieving family,” Kirkpatrick said. “This investigation does continue.”
‘Nuisance’ alligators to be removed
Kirkpatrick said she has formally requested the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to begin eradicating what she called “nuisance alligators” from the body of water where Bryan was found. That operation is already underway, she said, and NOPD officers will be present during the process to maintain community awareness and safety.
Timeline, family history, and search warrant
While the cause of death has been confirmed, Kirkpatrick said the department still does not know when Bryan died. The coroner could not determine whether the attack occurred the same day he went missing, August 14.
Kirkpatrick also acknowledged the department is reviewing a five-hour delay between the time Bryan was reported missing and when the department began its response.
“The 5-hour delay is inordinate,” she said. “There may be facts that explain it, but on its face, it’s inordinate.”
In a separate development, police confirmed they executed a search warrant to seize phones from individuals close to Bryan.
“That step required judicial approval,” she said. “It may mean nothing, but it’s not unusual in an investigation like this.”
When asked about the family’s claim that the seizure felt like a “witch hunt,” Kirkpatrick said, “We have not sidestepped the issue of delay. We’ve formally owned it… but we have to go with every lead that we are made aware of.”
Kirkpatrick also confirmed there is documented history involving the family in court records, but she declined to elaborate. “There have been former allegations,” she said. “It is a matter of court record.”
Other agencies involved
Kirkpatrick said the Department of Children and Family Services and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are now involved in the investigation, alongside NOPD.
Chiefs of Field Operations and Investigations joined her at the podium, reiterating that the department considers this an ongoing investigation and that no charges or arrests have been made.
“This is a fact-finding mission,” said one NOPD official. “We will go wherever the facts lead.”
Search led by Cajun Navy, city mourns loss
Bryan, who was nonverbal and neurodivergent, was last seen in the Michoud area and did not understand English or Spanish, according to his family.
His body was recovered Tuesday thanks to a coordinated search involving the United Cajun Navy and drones. Five separate cadaver dog teams from different states also alerted in the same area of the lagoon.
The city has since released a statement calling Bryan “a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community.”
“Bryan’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him,” the city said. “May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”
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