DETROIT (WWJ) -- The body of 2-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith has been found on Detroit's east side.
The toddler had been missing since late Sunday night when she was allegedly kidnapped by her mother's ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Rashad Trice. An amber alert was issued early Monday morning.
Trice was arraigned Wednesday on a long list of charges for allegedly attacking the mother at her home in Lansing.
He was not charged in the disappearance of the girl.
Lansing police officials confirmed at a press conference Wednesday night the toddler's body was found near Coleman A. Young Airport shortly before 7 p.m. Local reports said FBI investigators were searching in the area of Harper and Van Dyke and her body was found near Knodell Street and Erwin Avenue.
"This is not the outcome anyone had hoped for," Chief Ellery Sosebee said.
He said the case is now being investigated as a homicide, though no further details could immediately be released.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski said at a press conference in Detroit Wednesday night said the evidence response team was processing the scene.
"This will be a thorough and deliberate crime scene investigation," Kowalski said. "It will take time to carefully collect evidence that we need to help bring the person responsible to justice."
He said further information about the investigation could not be released. The FBI had been offering a $25,000 for tips that helped find the toddler.
Earlier Wednesday Michigan State Police shared a map of the approximate route authorities believe Trice took from Lansing to Metro Detroit. The map shows the route crossing the area of Van Dyke and Harper before he was arrested in St. Clair Shores Monday morning.
Trice was arrested after leading police on a chase and crashing into a police car. The child was not with him.
In addition to multiple criminal sexual conduct charges for the attack on the child's mother, Trice was also charged Wednesday with one count each of attempted murder, first-degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, aggravated domestic violence (second offense), unlawful driving away of an automobile and felonious assault.
Officials with the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office said they were still investigating possible charges in connection with her disappearance.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest details as they become available.
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