The tragic case of Jaylen Griffin, a 12-year-old boy who had been missing for nearly four years, has taken a grim turn as Buffalo police confirm that he died from a stabbing. Griffin's body was discovered in April inside the attic of a Sheffield Avenue home in South Buffalo just one week before what would have been his 16th birthday.
The Buffalo Police spokesperson confirmed that Griffin's cause of death was determined to be a result of a stabbing. The discovery of his body prompted Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia to classify his death as a homicide noting that the boy had been deceased for a significant period of time.
Griffin was last seen in August 2020 after leaving a corner store near his home on Warren Avenue. Two days later he was reported missing sparking an extensive search effort by law enforcement and the community.
The Sheffield Avenue residence where Griffin's body was found has a troubling history with law enforcement. Over the past 14 years, more than 160 complaints have been made to the police regarding the home including reports of domestic violence, fires, and the discovery of dead bodies. Prior to Griffin's tragic discovery, three other bodies had been found at the property with two deaths attributed to natural causes and one to a drug overdose.
In the aftermath of the heartbreaking revelation, vigils have been held in honor of Jaylen Griffin as the community comes together to pray for justice. Crimestoppers WNY is offering a reward of $7,500 for anyone who has information leading to the identification and apprehension of Griffin's killer. The investigation into Jaylen Griffin's death remains ongoing with law enforcement authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Boy Found Dead Four Years After Reported Missing, Cause of Death Confirmed as Stabbing