Search becomes a 'criminal' investigation

Search becomes a 'criminal' investigation

Milwaukee police have launched a "criminal investigation" into the disappearance of two young boys, a department spokeswoman said this afternoon.

However, spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz would not say what specifically led police to now categorize the investigation as criminal. This marks the first time police have indicated they believe a crime has been committed.

Schwartz said police have no suspects or persons of interest at this point. The state Department of Justice has joined the FBI and the Milwaukee Police Department in the investigation, Schwartz added.

Police continue to sort through hundreds of tips on the disappearance of Purvis Virginia Parker, 11, and Quadrevion Henning, 12. Schwartz said there is no reason to believe the youths are no longer in the Milwaukee area.

She also reiterated that police still believe there are people who have information on the boys' disappearance but have not come forward. Schwartz said today that one reason people may not be coming forward is because they might be afraid of giving information to the police.

"We also have a huge 'no-snitching' movement with our children," she said.

The boys were last seen on March 19 when they told Quadrevion's grandfather that they were going out to play basketball in the area around N. 53rd St. and W. Hampton Ave.

Police have asked anyone with information to call a national tip line at (877) 628-3804.