5-year-old non-verbal child with autism found dead in pond in Charles County

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. - A non-verbal 5-year-old child with autism was found dead in a pond after he went missing from a home in Charles County Sunday morning, the Sheriff's Office says. 

Authorities said Miles McMahon was last seen around 11 a.m. in the 1000 block of St. Pauls Drive in the Bannister neighborhood of Waldorf.

Investigators say home security footage showed McMahon leaving the house and skipping in his front yard before disappearing. Family members searched the area and called 911 when they couldn't find him. 

Officers immediately established a perimeter and put a focus on ponds and bodies of water nearby.

The Sheriff's Office asked residents in the area to search their yards, pools, sheds, shrubs, trees, small hiding places for McMahon. Residents were also asked to check their home security cameras for any activity and to contact the Sheriff’s Office if they spot the young boy.

A drone team, Maryland State Police Trooper 2, the La Plata Police and the Charles County Dive Team also joined the search. Police K9 and bloodhounds combed the area and Miles was eventually located by members of the Maryland State Police Dive Team in a pond not too far from his house.

"Sadly he was deceased. We are heartbroken. Please keep young Miles and his family in your thoughts & prayers. More updates will be provided," the Sheriff's Office wrote in a post on X.

FOX 5 is working to learn more. Check back for updates.