Marc Anthony Bookal, 4, Missing: "I Just Want My Baby Home," Cries Mom

By: Edecio Martinez
Topics: Missing

(AP/Newburgh New York Police Dept)

NEWBURGH, N.Y. (CBS/AP) Christina Bookal broke down Monday night after learning her 4-year-old son, Marc Anthony Bookal, had disappeared.

Photo: Marc Anthony Bookal.

"I just want my baby home," Christina Bookal said to CBS News' New York affiliate WCBS-TV, fighting through tears.

Several dozen law enforcement officers have been looking for Marc Anthony since Monday afternoon, when authorities say he apparently wandered out of the door of the Newburgh apartment where he lived with his mother and her boyfriend.

Newburgh is about an hours drive north of New York City.

The boyfriend, 30-year-old Cory Byrd, was arrested Monday and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Police say the boy was in Byrd's care when he vanished.

Newburgh police Sgt. Paul Weber said he didn't know if Byrd had a lawyer.

Authorities say Byrd was getting ready to take Marc Anthony to visit a relative Monday afternoon when the boy walked out of their apartment ahead of Byrd.

Weber said he didn't know where the boy's mother was when he disappeared.

VIDEO COURTESY OF CBS AFFILIATE WCBS-TV.

Byrd also was charged with a parole violation. He's being held in Orange County Jail.

State prison records show Byrd was paroled in April after serving more than five years on drug sale and assault convictions.

Police haven't called Byrd a suspect in the boy's disappearance.

A search has failed to turn up any sign of the child.

"We've just been looking everywhere, trying to look in dumpsters, trying to get the community together to help. This is a baby, a 4-year-old baby," said neighbor Jeanette Sanchez to the local station.

The missing child is described as light skinned with brown hair and a medium afro haircut. He stands 3 foot-6 and weighs about 42-pounds. He has discolorations on the back of each hand from a previous hand injury.

Marc Anthony was last seen wearing a red, long sleeved shirt with white Nike uptown sneakers and gray Rocawear sweatpants.

Anyone with information should contact the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services at 1-800-FIND-KID (346-3543) or contact the Newburgh City Police Department.

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by titan920 December 17, 2009 7:03 PM EST: The discoloration they're talking about is from burns he sustained, while also under the care of Mr. Byrd. Let's not forget to put blame where blame is due. We're talking about a woman, who had a son with this man. Then he decides to beat the kid within an inch of his life and cause permanent brain damage; and that's his kid. What did you think he was gonna do with a child that's not his; take him out for ice cream. That's real good parenting lady. Hope you sleep well tonight.; Reply to this comment


by harry379 December 17, 2009 6:50 PM EST: christina bookal (the baby's mother) is a certified nursing assistant. she is trained to spot, stop and report abuse. would you want her taking care of you???. have pity on the ones she provides care to now..; Reply to this comment


by brianbwb-2009 December 16, 2009 5:57 PM EST: "He has discolorations on the back of each hand from a previous hand injury."

Something is not right here, aside from the author's questionable command of English.

What kind of "a previous hand injury" discolors both hands? It may be that child abuse at the home might be a factor in this case.; Reply to this comment