Stepfather arrested in missing child case: Marc Anthony Bookal still missing (video)

The stepfather of a missing four year old Newburgh, New York boy was arrested today in connection with his disappearance. Marc Anthony Bookal was last seen in the family’s apartment at approximately 1:20 Monday, December 14, 2009. His stepfather, Cory Byrd told authorities that the two were getting ready to visit a relative when Marc Anthony walked out the front door that had been left open. Cory Byrd said that when he went out of the apartment to find the boy, he was nowhere to be found. Cory Byrd said that he checked with a neighbor but Marc wasn’t there. Now, Cory Byrd has been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child as well as violating his parole

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The charge is a misdemeanor and Byrd’s bail was set at $2,500. Due to the fact that he violated his parole, he will not be able to bond out until his parole violation is addressed. Meanwhile, the search for Marc Anthony Bookal continues. Police from Newburgh, New York as well as those from additional agencies joined forces and searched through the city scouring for signs of the child. Volunteers have placed fliers in the neighborhood. Westchester County K-9 officers and bloodhounds continued to search the area well into Tuesday night. State troopers conducted an aerial search flying helicopters over the area in a desperate search for the missing four year old.

Friends and supporters of the family gathered in the front of the Bookal home and held a candlelight vigil. Marc Anthony Bookal’s mother, Christina Bookal stands by her boyfriend and doesn’t believe that he had anything to do with Marc’s disappearance.

Marc Anthony stands 3’ 6” tall and weighs 42 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. The backs of his hands are discolored due to a burn accident, authorities said. He was last seen wearing a long sleeved red shirt, white Nike sneakers, and gray sweatpants.

Those with information on Marc Anthony Bookal’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Newburgh Police Department at 1-845-561-3131.

YouTube Video: Nancy Grace show: Marc Anthony Bookal
 

Mark was last seen at home by a caretaker around 1pm. A short time later, the front door was found open and the child has not been seen since. He was last seen wearing a red long sleeve shirt, white Nike Uptown sneakers and gray Rokaware sweatpants. He is light skinned, wears his hair in a medium length afro and has discolorations on the back of each hand from a previous burn injury.

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT
New York Division of Criminal Justice Service-Missing Children Clearinghouse

1-800-FIND-KID (1-800-346-3543)

Cory Byrd (Photos from the Newburgh City Police)

Stepfather arrested in missing child case: Marc Anthony Bookal still missing (video)