A mother's plea for missing son, search continues for 4-year old

On Monday, KNOE's Dede Willis spent time with the family of Rondreiz "Junior" Phillips. He has been missing since April 5th. His mother, Shelia Phillips said he was playing in the yard near their home on Howard Road in Lisbon, which is in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.

"This is too painful for me. Please, don't make me suffer like this. Please, I want my baby. Please don't do this to me, please. I want my baby," Phillips said.

Hundreds of community members have been searching woods near the family's home, but Phillips said she does not believe her son is out there.

"Somebody picked my baby up out this yard; I don't care what nobody says, my baby, ain't never left up out this yard. He's never walked in no woods," she said.

Nicholas Gilbert, the step-father, said he does not believe their son wandered away from the front yard.

"Whoever picked Junior up, no matter how they feel or what's going on, just drop him off," Gilbert said.

He said the family is hurting, especially after hearing rumors he could have something to do with Junior's disappearance. Gilbert said he volunteered to take a lie detectors test and passed.

Phillips said she wants nothing more than for Junior to return home.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff's office has called off the public search, but are continuing to search the area. If you have any information, you are asked to get in touch with police.