Fundraiser held for family of missing boy as search resumes

CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) - Community members and family friends gathered over the weekend in Ohio to raise money for the family of one of two missing children as the search for their bodies along the Ohio River continued for another weekend.

Organizers said they hoped Saturday's event at Stonie's Pub in Cincinnati would raise enough money to cover the costs of the celebration of life and funeral of 3-year-old Nylo Lattimore, but the event also focused on the impact the little boy had on those around him.

'œWe want to talk about him, I want to hear stories about him,'ť Faith Burton told WCPO-TV. 'œAnd just make it a day about him. We have cake. ... We're going to have cake for his birthday. You know, we have gift bags for the kids, so we just want it to be a great day remembering Nylo and listening all about Nylo's stories.'ť

Meanwhile, crews resumed the river search in the Lawrenceburg, Indiana, area for the bodies of Lattimore and 6-year-old James Hutchinson. North Star International K9 Search and Recovery said in a Facebook post Saturday that 'œthe weather is still fighting us" and a sonar hit last week turned out to be 'œjust river junk." The group said the river was running too fast for divers but they planned to continue a sonar search by boat.

Nylo Lattimore is the son of 29-year-old Nyteisha Lattimore, who is believed to have been killed on or about Dec. 5 in her apartment in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. Her body was found about a week later near a downtown Cincinnati bridge. The county coroner said she died of stab wounds.

Police say the child's blood was found on a blanket recovered with his mother's body and his stroller was found in the river nearby.

'œHe needs to be buried next to his mom so everyone can come out and show him love,'ť Nylo's cousin, Belinda Lattimore, told WXIX-TV.

Hamilton County prosecutors earlier announced a death penalty indictment against 21-year-old Desean Brown, who is charged with two counts of aggravated murder as well as abuse of a corpse and evidence-tampering. He earlier pleaded not guilty to charges in the case.

Prosecutors believe Hutchinson was killed in late February, and that his mother and her boyfriend dumped his body into the river near Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Brittany Gosney, 29, was indicted in Butler County on 16 counts, including murder, corpse abuse and endangering children. Authorities have said she told investigators that her son was killed at a park in southern Preble County when she tried to drive away and he was dragged.

Her 42-year-old boyfriend, James Hamilton, faces counts including abuse of a corpse, evidence tampering and child endangerment.

Both Gosney and Hamilton have pleaded not guilty. Gosney's attorney said he's seeking a competency evaluation, citing 'œserious concerns'ť about her mental health.