Tragedy as missing Buffalo boy, 12, is found dead in an attic four years after vanishing while walking his puppy - as it is revealed his mother unexpectedly died last year from a 'broken heart'

The body of 12-year-old New York boy who mysteriously went missing nearly four years ago has been discovered in a an attic near his family home. 

Jaylen Griffin had last been seen while walking his puppy near his Warren Avenue home on August 4, 2020 and was reported missing two days later. 

Three-and-half years later, a maintenance man found the young boy's body in the attic of a multi-unit house in 107 Sheffield Avenue - around five miles away from his house. 

According to Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia of the Buffalo Police Department, Jaylen's body had been left in the attic 'for a significant amount of time'. 

'The body that was located in the house had been there for a significant amount of time. 

'I do want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family of Jaylen. This department has conducted extensive searches and I want Jaylen's family to know that we are working diligently to bring the next closure for the family,' Gramaglia said. 

Jaylen Griffin, 12, who mysteriously went missing nearly four years ago has now been discovered in a an attic near his family home

A maintenance man found the young boy's body in the attic of a multi-unit house in 107 Sheffield Avenue -nearly five miles away from his house

According to Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia of the Buffalo Police Department, Jaylen's body had been left in the attic 'for a significant amount of time'

But while father Brian Griffin has received a sense of relief since his son was found, mother Joann Ponzo will never know as she passed away due to illness and a 'broken heart' in September 2023. 

It wasn't only Jaylen's mystery that gave Joann grief as his brother, Jawaan had also been shot and killed in front of the family's home in November 2020. 

After Jaylen's body was found, neighbors have revealed that they had seen people moving in and out of the house and police had responded to the home 'many times' over the years.

The new discovery has left many people in the area wondering what happened and how did Jaylen end up dead in an attic.

But while father Brian Griffin has received a sense of relief since his son was found, mother Joann Ponzo (pictured) will never know as she passed away due to illness and a 'broken heart' in September 2023

The new discovery has left many people in the area wondering what happened and how did Jaylen end up dead in an attic

After Jaylen's body was found, neighbors have revealed that they had seen people moving in and out of the house and police had responded to the home 'many times' over the years

Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC ministries told WIVB: 'How did he end up here? Was he moved? The questions are still remaining. 

'How long was he dead? How long was he deceased? Was he found in something that was locked and had to be opened? And did a certain aroma come out that would be a major complaint to this community? 

'This looks like the type of community where if anything is taking place somebody will report it, or say something.' 

Officials have confirmed that a homicide investigation is underway.