10 March 2024 , 22:51
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A veteran police officer was on the edge of tears as he announced that kidnapped baby Halo Branton died.
An Amber Alert for the missing 11-month-old was abruptly cancelled with news later emerging that Halo had been found and rushed to hospital. Sadly Lieutenant Ryan Macherone of the local police later confirmed she had passed away.
The baby girl went missing from Schenectady in New York State, US, yesterday (March 9) evening with police saying she had been abducted. Officers were alerted at around 11pm when 911 was called.
After being asked by a reporter what it feels like to announce a baby dying, the lieutenant said: "It's probably the worst thing that will ever happen (in his career). Most likely."
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A frantic search was launched after it was revealed she had gone missing (Facebook)
Halo Branton has sadly passed away (nyspolice/Twitter)Appearing about to weep, Macherone continued: "I'm standing here before you to announce the death of an 11-month-old child. There's nothing good about that."
Speaking to reporters, Lieutenant Ryan Macherone confirmed she had passed away at a conference today regarding the incident. At times looking at the edge of tears, Macherone said: "I'm saddened to report today that she passed away this afternoon."
He later confirmed that because a criminal investigation has been launched there's only a limited amount of information that can be released. Because of this he repeatedly refused to answer reporters' questions following his statement.
Lieutenant Ryan Macherone told reporters the sad news (WNYT NewsChannel 13)Halo was found today near the GE Campus.
Lt Macherone said: "It's to be treated as a criminal investigation. The New York State Police are working side-by-side on this. We're at the infancy of the investigation at this point."
He also urged anyone with information to come forward and for anyone in the area to check their doorbell cams.
Cancelling the earlier Amber Alert, an update from the New York State police read: "Amber Alert Cancelled. Halo has been located. Thank you to everyone for your support." US Watch, an organisation designed to help the public organise and look for missing children, also joined in the search.
Before going missing, Halo was seen on 12th Street at Campbell Ave. in Schenectady at around 9.15pm on Saturday, March 9, 2024. She was wearing white sweatpants with brown & tan flowers, a long-sleeve, light pink shirt with a butterfly design, and had a Minnie Mouse blanket.
A previous update from the police: "The Schenectady Police Department has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a child abduction that occurred near Campbell Avenue and 12th Street, in Schenectady at about 9:15 PM on 3/9/2024."
Police have not yet revealed who may have kidnapped her or how the kidnapping was carried out. Authorities have not released any additional information.
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No information has been released about any suspects.