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Aveion Lewis, "Kidnapped" Toddler, Now Presumed Dead; Stepdad Charged as Police Search for Body

(Family Photo/The Roanoke Times)
(Roanoke Police )
ROANOKE, Va. (CBS/WDBJ/AP) Virginia police are now searching for the body of 2-year-old Aveion Lewis, after his stepfather allegedly admitted the boy is dead and the 911 call he made claiming the toddler was abducted was a hoax.

Photo: Aveion Lewis.

Last Thursday, Brandon Lockett told Virginia police that three men invaded his home, knocked him unconscious, kidnapped Aveion Lewis, tied up Lewis' sister and left a ransom note demanding $10,000.

Now police in Roanoke, 150 miles from Raleigh, say Lockett admitted the boy was never kidnapped and that he had died some time before Lockett called 911 to report the fake abduction.

It's not yet clear how Aveion Lewis died but Lockett has been charged with child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice, according to The Roanoke Times. He is currently in custody.

The child's mother, Morgan Lockett, has not been charged, but has also been questioned.

Aveion Lewis' reported abduction prompted a statewide amber alert on Jan. 14 and the FBI was called in to investigate.

Reporting Contributed by CBS Affiliate WDBJ

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