DNA Test: Body Pulled From CA Canal Is Missing Boy

PATTERSON, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say a DNA test has confirmed that a child's body pulled from a Central California canal is that of a kidnapped 4-year-old boy.

California Department of Justice officials said Friday they notified the Stanislaus County sheriff's department about the results for Juliani Cardenas's body. Detectives later notified the boy's mother, Tabitha Cardenas.

Juliani's body was found Tuesday in the Delta-Mendota Canal, two weeks after his mother's ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Jose Rodriguez, allegedly took the boy from his grandmother in Patterson.

A farmworker later reported seeing Rodriguez's car go into the canal with a man and a boy inside. The car was recovered last week without bodies inside.

Authorities believe Rodriguez's body is also in the canal.

Funeral services for the child are pending.