Plainfield Police Release Timeline of Teen's Disappearance, Recovery

Surveillance footage provided key details in the case of 19-year-old Connor Oldfield, whose body was found in Green Brook weeks after he went missing.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The City of Plainfield has released the findings of its investigation into the disappearance and recovery of 19-year-old Connor Oldfield, whose body was found in the Green Brook on February 19, nearly a month after he was last seen on January 24. Police say home surveillance footage was crucial in establishing a timeline of Oldfield's movements that day, showing him falling into the freezing brook twice before his death was determined to be an accidental drowning.

Why it matters

The case highlights the importance of community cooperation and video surveillance in missing persons investigations, especially in extreme weather conditions that can hamper search efforts. Oldfield's tragic death also raises questions about public safety near bodies of water during the winter months.

The details

According to the police timeline, Oldfield was first observed on surveillance footage leaving his Watson Avenue residence at 1:11pm on January 24 and heading towards the Green Brook. He was then seen near the brook behind the 600 block of East Front Street at 1:43pm, and fell into the waist-deep freezing water two minutes later. Oldfield left the water but was seen falling back in and becoming fully submerged for at least 10 seconds at 2:17pm. Police say Oldfield's mother reported him missing at 3:03pm, and a phone ping placed him in the area, but poor weather conditions and a broad search radius initially hindered the investigation. Oldfield's body was ultimately recovered on February 19 after a considerable amount of ice was broken.

  • On January 24, Oldfield was first observed on surveillance footage leaving his home at 1:11pm.
  • At 1:43pm on January 24, Oldfield was seen near the Green Brook.
  • At 1:45pm on January 24, Oldfield fell waist-deep into the freezing water.
  • At 2:17pm on January 24, Oldfield fell back into the brook and was fully submerged for at least 10 seconds.
  • On February 19, Oldfield's body was recovered from the Green Brook.

The players

Connor Oldfield

A 19-year-old resident of Plainfield, New Jersey whose body was recovered from the Green Brook on February 19 after he went missing on January 24.

Stephanie Senior

Connor Oldfield's mother, who reported him missing to the Plainfield Police Department at 3:03pm on January 24.

Plainfield Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated Oldfield's disappearance and recovery, and released the timeline of events.

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What they’re saying

“The City of Plainfield, Director Abney, and the Plainfield Police Department extend sincere appreciation to the residents who provided Ring and home security footage, and to all partner agencies and personnel who assisted throughout the search and investigation.”

— City of Plainfield (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The Medical Examiner's report and investigation determined the death was an accidental drowning, with no signs of foul play. The City asks the public to continue to keep Connor's family in their thoughts and prayers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the crucial role that community cooperation and video surveillance can play in missing persons investigations, especially in challenging weather conditions. It also underscores the need for greater public awareness and safety measures around bodies of water during the winter months to prevent similar tragedies.