UPDATE: Police End Search After Boy Is Found Dead

PEARLAND, TX -- Pearland Police ended their search for 9-year old Marcus McGhee after finding the boy dead in a nearby pond.

The child's body was discovered not far from the family's home at about 7 a.m. Saturday.

Last night, authorities asked volunteers to stand down, while police continued the search for the missing boy through the night.

Marcus McGhee was visiting with his family in the 6700 block of Fite Road when he wandered away at about 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Dozens of volunteers showed up to help search for the child, but thanked by police and asked to stand down.

Relatives noticed the child was missing and searched the sprawling property for about 30 minutes before calling police.

Meanwhile, police who initially said they would not be using mounted patrols or ATV’s to look for the missing boy, are now saying he may be attracted to the sound and asked search parties to drive slowly during
their search.

Authorities have also used boats to search a nearby pond, in case McGheen went into the water.

Police also said that the child was not wearing shoes when he wandered away and may have left footprints along the way.

A footprint trail was spotted Friday afternoon near Berry Miller Junior High School close to the home,and police are asking business owners from 5500 -7200 Broadway to review security tape from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving night for any possible sightings of Marcus.

McGhee is non-verbal and is afraid of large animals and loud noises and cautioned that he may not answer when his name is called.

Image: Pearland Police Department