New Orleans, LA – A 12-year-old boy, Bryan Vasquez, who was killed by an alligator after escaping his home in New Orleans, had a history of severe abuse rather than autism, according to newly surfaced reports.
Bryan was first reported missing on August 14 after he allegedly climbed out of his bedroom window. His body was recovered nearly two weeks later in a nearby canal.
An autopsy determined that Bryan died from “blunt force due to an alligator” and drowning. His disappearance and death have sparked widespread outrage, particularly after it was revealed that police waited nearly five hours before responding to the missing child report.
How Bryan Went Missing
According to investigators, Bryan, who was nonverbal, was seen on doorbell camera footage around 5:20 a.m. the morning he disappeared, wearing only a diaper and walking alone down the street. Despite his history of wandering, the family had recently moved to a new home.
His disappearance prompted a massive search effort involving multiple agencies, volunteers, airboats, drones, and bloodhounds. Bryan’s body was eventually spotted by a drone on Tuesday, bringing the nearly two-week search to a tragic end, according to Fox9.
Abuse Reports and Troubled Background
While Bryan’s mother, Hilda Vasquez, told police her son was autistic, official records reveal a different history. Reports show Bryan suffered a traumatic brain injury (non-accidental) as an infant.
- In late 2013, Bryan’s mother called an ambulance, reporting her 3-month-old baby had stopped breathing and was vomiting blood. At the hospital, doctors found:
- Retinal hemorrhages
- Fractures in both legs, causing his ankles to bend outward
- Skull fracture with swelling
- Damaged lung
Doctors determined the injuries were consistent with non-accidental trauma.
In 2014, Hilda Vasquez was charged with cruelty to juveniles and second-degree cruelty to juveniles, but later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of negligent treatment. Bryan was placed in foster care, though he was eventually returned to his mother.
Continued Signs of Abuse
Abuse reports did not end there. In 2021, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigated a call from Bryan’s school reporting bruises on his inner thigh and face. The same report confirmed that Bryan had an individualized education plan for a traumatic brain injury.
Additionally, records indicated Bryan suffered from tapeworm infections on at least two occasions while living with his mother.
Criticism of Police Response
The New Orleans Police Department is under scrutiny for the nearly five-hour delay in responding to the missing child call. Critics argue the delay may have reduced the chances of finding Bryan before tragedy struck.
Community members and child welfare advocates are demanding answers regarding the handling of the case, as well as why Bryan was returned to his mother’s custody despite prior abuse reports.
Community Reflection and Call for Awareness
The case has reignited discussions about the gaps in child protection systems and the importance of thorough follow-ups when abuse is reported. Advocates stress that early intervention and continuous monitoring are essential to prevent tragedies involving vulnerable children.
What steps should child protection services and law enforcement take to prevent cases like Bryan’s? Share your views in the comments.
