Remains believed to be a child’s found near Belleville, may be linked to kidnapping

The remains of what investigators believe are those of a small child were found Wednesday during a multi-agency search in Stookey Township, authorities said.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said in a news release that detectives are investigating the death and believe it may be connected to a parental kidnapping case involving two parents in St. Louis and Desloge, Missouri.

Police said officials learned earlier this week that a child may have been buried in a wooded area near Belleville. After an extensive search, authorities located the remains on July 8. A press conference was held Wednesday night at the Stookey Township building.

“We have many questions, and we are working to get answers,” Lt. Colonel Renee Kriesmann of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said during the press conference.

The St. Clair County Coroner’s Office has not positively identified the remains. An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death and confirm the child’s identity, police said, citing the condition of the remains.

Agencies involved include the Desloge Police Department; the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team; Illinois State Police crime scene investigators; the FBI in St. Louis; the St. Clair County state’s attorney; the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Missouri Children’s Division; the St. Clair County coroner and sheriff’s department; the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office; and multiple fire, emergency service and search-and-rescue groups.

Anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Tips submitted to CrimeStoppers that lead to a felony arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, police said.

This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 10:12 PM.