Toddler's body found in septic tank; other children placed in foster care
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: August 22, 2012
A heartbreaking ending in the overnight search for a toddler missing in Smith County, Texas.
NBC 6 News sister station, KETK-TV reported that the body of Jacob Kimbley, 2, was discovered at about 1:15 a.m. this morning in a wooded area near his home.
Kimbley went missing from his home on FM 16 near Winona, Texas, just before 2 p.m. Tuesday, setting off a search that involved a team of more than 150 emergency responders and volunteers.
Search and rescue teams used 4-wheelers, helicopters and horse-mounted deputies to aid in the search.
At about 7 p.m. Tuesday night, searchers said they had found Kimbley's footprints in the mud of a creek, sparking hope that he might be found soon. However, night fell and the search continued until his body was discovered.
Authorities say Kimbley disappeared while playing hide and seek with two other children, who are unharmed. Kimbley was described as non-verbal and mentally challenged. The toddler was found in a fiberglass septic, according to Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Judge Mitch Shamburger.
The boy's body has been sent to Dallas for autopsy; the results are expected by the end of this week. Shamburger could not say whether the death was accidential or if foul play was involved. KETK learned this afternoon that Child Protective Services removed the other children from the toddler's home around 5 p.m. today. They will be placed in foster care.
