Brooklyn Mother Claims Missing Son Never Existed Despite Tattoo

Police continue investigation into disappearance of 11-year-old autistic boy despite mother's denials

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The mother of a missing 11-year-old autistic boy in Brooklyn, New York has repeatedly told police that her son never existed, despite having a tattoo with his name on her arm. Police say they know the child, named Jacob Pritchett, did exist and was last seen by a family member earlier this year. Authorities have searched the family's apartment and a local landfill but have found no trace of the boy, leading them to believe he may no longer be alive.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating missing persons cases, especially when the primary caregiver denies the child's existence. It also raises questions about the welfare system's ability to monitor vulnerable children who may be hidden from authorities.

The details

Police say the investigation into the disappearance of 11-year-old Jacob Pritchett has taken a bizarre turn. His mother, 50-year-old Jacqueline Pritchett, has insisted to detectives that her son never existed, despite having a tattoo with his name on her arm. Authorities obtained a search warrant for the family's Brownsville apartment and found traces of blood in the refrigerator and on a discarded mattress, leading them to search local landfills. However, nothing conclusive was found, and Pritchett maintains she has no child.

  • Jacob Pritchett was reported missing in October by an Administration for Children's Services (ACS) investigator.
  • Jacob was last seen by a family member waving from the apartment window earlier in the year, in April.

The players

Jacqueline Pritchett

The 50-year-old mother of the missing 11-year-old boy, who has repeatedly told police that her son never existed despite having a tattoo with his name.

Jacob Pritchett

The 11-year-old autistic boy who was reported missing from his Brownsville, Brooklyn apartment in October, but has not been seen since April.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny

The police official leading the investigation into Jacob Pritchett's disappearance, who has stated that authorities know the child existed despite the mother's denials.

Administration for Children's Services (ACS)

The agency that reported Jacob Pritchett missing from his home in October.

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What they’re saying

“We know the kid exists. She's denying it, and it's just a matter of finding him.”

— NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny (amny.com)

“She tells us that she is barren, she does not have a child, being Jacob, although she has a Jacob tattoo on her arm.”

— NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny (amny.com)

What’s next

Police say they will continue to pursue the case doggedly, and that forensic evidence proves 'something took place in that apartment.' Authorities are urging anyone with information about Jacob Pritchett to contact Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This bizarre case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating missing persons cases, especially when the primary caregiver denies the child's existence. It raises serious concerns about the welfare system's ability to monitor vulnerable children who may be hidden from authorities.