NYC Mom Denies Missing Autistic Son, But Has His Name Tattooed on Her Arm

Police say the mother's claims don't match evidence found in the investigation.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A Brooklyn mother who has repeatedly denied having a missing 11-year-old autistic son named Jacob Pritchett has a tattoo of the boy's name on her arm, according to the NYPD. Little Jacob has been missing since October, and police say evidence including blood found in the family's apartment suggests the case is likely headed towards a homicide investigation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges authorities face when a parent denies the existence of a missing child, despite evidence to the contrary. It also raises concerns about the welfare and safety of vulnerable children, especially those with special needs, when their caretakers refuse to cooperate with law enforcement.

The details

Police say Jacqueline Pritchett, the 50-year-old mother of the missing boy, has repeatedly told them that she is 'barren' and does not have a child named Jacob, even though she has a tattoo with his name on her arm. Cadaver dogs detected blood both on the refrigerator and on a mattress near the dumpsters outside the family's NYCHA apartment, but no sign of the child. Investigators also sifted through over 2.9 million pounds of trash at a waste management plant and landfill, but found no trace of Jacob.

  • Jacob Pritchett was reported missing from his mother's apartment in Brownsville, Brooklyn in October.
  • On April 2, a property manager spotted Jacob waving from a window as his aunt spoke with his mother outside.
  • Earlier in 2025, Jacob was seen waving from a window as his aunt spoke with his mother.

The players

Jacqueline Pritchett

The 50-year-old mother of the missing 11-year-old autistic boy Jacob Pritchett, who has repeatedly denied that Jacob exists despite having a tattoo of his name on her arm.

Jacob Pritchett

The 11-year-old autistic boy who has been missing since October, despite his mother's claims that he does not exist.

Joseph Kenny

The NYPD Chief of Detectives leading the investigation into Jacob's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“She tells us that she is barren [and claims] she does not have a child named Jacob, although she has a Jacob tattoo on her arm.”

— Joseph Kenny, NYPD Chief of Detectives (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jacqueline Pritchett out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges authorities face when a parent denies the existence of a missing child, despite evidence to the contrary. It raises serious concerns about the welfare and safety of vulnerable children, especially those with special needs, when their caretakers refuse to cooperate with law enforcement.