Oregon boy’s disappearance reclassified as criminal case; $25,000 reward offered

Disappearance of Oregon boy classified as criminal

PORTLAND, Ore. — The search for a missing Portland boy was reclassified as a criminal investigation Sunday, 10 days after he disappeared, but authorities wouldn’t say why.

“As of today, the search and rescue crews will have completed the mission we set out for them,” Multnomah County Sheriff’s Capt. Monte Reiser said at a news conference. Their mission was to follow up on tips and comb the area within a two-mile radius of Skyline Elementary School for 7-year-old Kyron Horman, he said.

Kyron disappeared June 4 after a morning science fair at the rural school. His absence was reported that afternoon, when he failed to return home on a school bus and his stepmother contacted the school, which called 911.

Also Sunday, Sheriff Dan Staton announced that his department is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to Kyron.

He wouldn’t say why the investigation was reclassified as criminal. Until Sunday, Kyron was considered a “missing endangered child,” a designation that spans a range of possibilities, including a criminal investigation.

Staton said local search teams will continue to check the area near the school, but the statewide search teams will return home.

Reiser stressed that although search efforts are being scaled back, the investigation will retain its urgency.

“Our commitment and resources are unwavering,” Reiser said.

Kyron’s mother, father, stepmother and stepfather attended the news conference but did not speak or take questions. It was their second public appearance since Kyron disappeared, and their first since issuing a tearful plea for his return Friday.

The sheriff’s office has led the investigation, which has included search and rescue teams from across the state, as well as logistical support from the FBI. It has remained tightlipped about the progress of the search and was reticent to release details Sunday.

“We’ll address those types of issues once we’ve located Kyron,” Staton said in response to a question about the day of the boy’s disappearance.