In a somber update, Indiana police announced on Friday that the search for a missing 16-year-old boy has shifted from a rescue to a recovery mission. This development comes as authorities continue their efforts to locate Robert “RJ” Williams Jr., who disappeared from Indianapolis last month.

A Silver Alert had been issued for Williams, last seen on December 17. New information, however, has led the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to suspect that the teenager fell into the White River. This hypothesis is based on leads uncovered during the ongoing investigation, as reported to the Indianapolis Star.

The day after Williams’ disappearance, investigators found his belongings—a gym bag and backpack—abandoned on a dock by the White River. Despite extensive searches involving ground teams, drones, sonar equipment, and water patrols, there has been no sign of Williams.

The young man was reported missing after he failed to return home from Purdue Polytechnic High School. It is believed he visited a McDonald’s shortly before his disappearance.

Williams is described as having autism and a mild intellectual disability, with a cognitive level akin to that of a 10- or 11-year-old. He also has a history of psychosis and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, adding a layer of complexity to his case.

At the time he was last seen, Williams stood 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, and was wearing a gray coat, blue sweatpants, and black tennis shoes.

Police did not say what new evidence led to the shift in their investigation. WTHR reported that search teams are expected to return to the White River on Friday.

“If what is being said is true, Robert passed away on Dec. 17,” Williams’ mother wrote in an online post. “My heart is shattered as I am more than broken. Today is the day, RJ, and today is going to be a very hard day for many of us. If what the detectives are saying is true, please allow them to find you.”

[Feature Photo:  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department]