Tragedy as missing Buffalo boy, 12, is found dead in an attic four years after vanishing while walking his puppy – as it is revealed his mother unexpectedly died last year from a ‘broken heart’

The body of the 12-year-old New York boy who mysteriously went missing nearly four years ago has been discovered in an attic near his parents’ home.

Jaylen Griffin was last seen walking his puppy near his Warren Avenue home on August 4, 2020 and was reported missing two days later.

Three and a half years later, a handyman found the young boy’s body in the attic of a multi-unit house at 107 Sheffield Avenue, nearly five miles from his home.

Jaylen’s body had been in the attic for “quite some time,” according to Chief Joseph Gramaglia of the Buffalo Police Department.

“The body that was in the house had been there for quite some time.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to Jaylen’s family. This department has conducted extensive searches and I want Jaylen’s family to know that we are working diligently to bring the next closure for the family,” Gramaglia said.

Jaylen Griffin, 12, who mysteriously went missing almost four years ago, has now been discovered in an attic near his family home

A handyman found the young boy's body in the attic of a multi-unit home at 107 Sheffield Avenue, nearly five miles from his home.

A handyman found the young boy’s body in the attic of a multi-unit home at 107 Sheffield Avenue, nearly five miles from his home.

Jaylen's body had been in the attic for

Jaylen’s body had been in the attic for “quite some time,” according to Chief Joseph Gramaglia of the Buffalo Police Department.

But while father Brian Griffin has felt a sense of relief since his son was found, mother Joann Ponzo will never know as she passed away in September 2023 due to illness and a ‘broken heart’.

It wasn’t just Jaylen’s mystery that caused Joann grief as his brother Jawaan was also shot dead outside the family’s home in November 2020.

After Jaylen’s body was found, neighbors revealed that they had seen people going in and out of the house and that police had responded to the house “many times” over the years.

The new discovery has many people in the area wondering what happened and how Jaylen ended up dead in an attic.

But while dad Brian Griffin has felt a sense of relief since his son was found, mum Joann Ponzo (pictured) will never know as she passed away in September 2023 due to illness and a 'broken heart'.

But while dad Brian Griffin has felt a sense of relief since his son was found, mum Joann Ponzo (pictured) will never know as she passed away in September 2023 due to illness and a ‘broken heart’.

The new discovery has many people in the area wondering what happened and how Jaylen ended up dead in an attic

The new discovery has many people in the area wondering what happened and how Jaylen ended up dead in an attic

After Jaylen's body was found, neighbors revealed that they had seen people going in and out of the house and that police had responded to the house

After Jaylen’s body was found, neighbors revealed that they had seen people going in and out of the house and that police had responded to the house “many times” over the years.

Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC ministries shared WIVB: ‘How did he get here? Has he been moved? The questions still remain.

‘How long was he dead? How long had he been dead? Was he found in something that was locked and needed to be opened? And was there any particular aroma that emerged that would be a major complaint for this community?

“This seems like the kind of community where if something happens, someone will report it or say something.”

Officials have confirmed a murder investigation is underway.