Remains found in San Antonio identified as missing 18-month-old James Chairez

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Authorities in Texas confirmed Wednesday that remains found last month at a mobile home trailer in San Antonio are those of missing toddler James Chairez, according to multiple reports.

>> Read more trending news

James, 18 months old, when he was last seen Jan. 4 with his mother, D’Lanny Chairez, according to police. The pair were reported missing in March, though officers later located Chairez. She was arrested that month on a charge of tampering with evidence in relation to her son’s disappearance, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

Police searching for James told the newspaper last month that they had found remains at a mobile home that Chairez and her son previously shared. In a brief statement released on Wednesday, authorities confirmed that the remains have been identified as James’.

“Today, we received confirmation from the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office that the human remains located on April 28, 2021 at 7600 W Military Drive have been positively identified as Baby James Avi Chairez,” police said in a statement obtained by the Express-News.

>> Related: Texas mom who vanished with toddler arrested; blood found on missing child’s sheets, police say

In a video posted on Facebook, James’ great-aunt, Mariesol Benavidez-Gomez, said her family got the news earlier Wednesday, according to KSAT-TV.

“My heart wasn’t ready to let go,” she said in the emotional video. “There’s no more information. … Thank you all for you concerns, your prayers. My family and I, we really appreciate that.”

James’ cause of death was not immediately known. It was also not immediately clear when James died.

Authorities continue to investigate.

Cox Media Group