Ariz. toddler's body found in sludge pit

DEWEY, Ariz., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The body of Emmett Trapp, a 2-year-old Arizona boy who had gone missing Monday was found in a sludge pit about a mile from his home, officials said.

The boy's mother called the sheriff's office Monday night to report him missing. She said she had awakened from a nap and couldn't find him, the Prescott (Ariz.) Daily Courier reported Thursday.

Sheriff's deputies arrived about 10 minutes later and started searching the area. More than 90 searchers from public safety departments and volunteer organizations, along with the FBI, looked for the child.

Horseback and all-terrain vehicle riders with bloodhounds joined the search.

Dwight D'Evelyn, a Yavapai County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said a searcher who lives near the pit saw small footprints and told the sheriff's office. A group of searchers arrived at the scene at the same time as a Department of Public Safety helicopter, he said.

Police estimate that Emmett, whose body was discovered Wednesday, walked about 3 miles in a circuitous path over rugged terrain to arrive at the muddy pit.

"(Emmett) may have gotten stuck and couldn't get out. He fell forward in this pit. It's just a tragedy, all the way around," said D'Evelyn.