JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – The body of 4-year-old Missouri boy who has been missing for nearly a week has been found.

Jefferson City police Lt. David Williams said Darnell Gray’s body was discovered about noon in Jefferson City.

Williams said it was too early to tell how the boy died and the medical examiner has been called in. He would not discuss the condition of the body.

When asked if the case was now a homicide investigation, Williams would say only that investigators are working to determine how the boy died.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

Darnell was last seen Wednesday night at a Jefferson City apartment where he lives. A woman who was caring for him while his father worked reported the child missing early Thursday.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – The mother of a missing 4-year-old Missouri boy is asking anyone with information to come forward.

Darnell Gray’s mother made a brief statement at a news conference Monday asking for the public’s help. Her name was not released.

Darnell was last seen Wednesday night at a Jefferson City apartment where he lives. His father was working early Thursday when a woman who was caring for the child reported him missing.

Police spokesman Lt. David Williams said neither parent was with Darnell when he disappeared, and the boy’s disappearance does not appear to be a custody situation.

Williams said the search has expanded beyond the neighborhood where Darnell lived, and he acknowledged the child could no longer be in Jefferson City.

An $11,000 reward is being offered for information in the case.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Authorities have drained a pond while searching for a 4-year-old boy who disappeared last week in Jefferson City.

Police say the pond is close to the apartment from which Darnell Gray was reported missing Thursday morning. Also missing was the boy’s coat, backpack, two juice boxes and some cookies.

Police Lt. David Williams says divers were in the pond last week but wanted to check it again.

As the search continues, the reward for information has been raised to $11,000. Williams says the amount of time that Darnell has been missing is “beyond critical.”

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued an endangered persons advisory for Darnell. He is believed to be wearing a black and white sleeper, black coat and red Spiderman shoes.