Winter Weather ADVISORY in effect for:
Bronx, NY
Mother marks 8 years since son's disappearance
Posted: Updated:Monday marked eight years since a young boy vanished from Starrett City, what is now known as Spring Creek Towers.
Patrick Alford was 7 years old at the time and would now be 15.
Jennifer Rodriguez, the missing boy's biological mother, says she can only think of Patrick while cradling her newborn son Joshua.
"It's a blessing from God and it gives me hope," she says. "Patrick's still out there."
Police say Patrick disappeared around 9 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2010. He had been removed from his mother's custody and placed in foster care. He lived with a woman on the 11th floor of a building in Starrett City who told police he had run off.
Police in the following days searched extensively for Patrick, using aviation, harbor and K-9 units.
"I just need my son back," Rodriguez told News 12 days after Patrick's disappearance. "I love my son so much."
She at one point was taken into custody after authorities accused her of lying about her son's whereabouts. She still maintains that she had nothing to do with his disappearance.
"They were so focused on me and my family they couldn't find my son," Rodriguez says.
There is a $12,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. Police ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Top StoriesMore>>
Up to 3 inches of snow to complicate evening commute
Up to 3 inches of snow to complicate evening commute
The city is preparing for snow in the forecast later today throughout the Bronx.The city is preparing for snow in the forecast later today throughout the Bronx.Forecast: More snow, wintry mix to return Wednesday
Forecast: More snow, wintry mix to return Wednesday
Wednesday will see messy conditions, with snow, sleet and rain expected.Wednesday will see messy conditions, with snow, sleet and rain expected.Khloe Kardashian, Tristan Thompson split amid new cheating rumors
Khloe Kardashian, Tristan Thompson split amid new cheating rumors
Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson officially split amid new cheating rumors
Poll: National Love Your Pet Day
Poll: National Love Your Pet Day
Happy National Love Your Pet Day! Do you have a pet?Happy National Love Your Pet Day! Do you have a pet?Plush Crush, new ax-throwing game featured at 2019 Toy Fair
Plush Crush, new ax-throwing game featured at 2019 Toy Fair
Plush Crush and a new axe throwing game were just some of the highlights of this year's toy fair at the Jacob Javits Center.Plush Crush and a new axe throwing game were just some of the highlights of this year's toy fair at the Jacob Javits Center.Bronx man returns from vacation to find his car stolen, items missing
Bronx man returns from vacation to find his car stolen, items missing
A Williamsbridge man says his vehicle was stolen Monday while he was away on vacation, but it was quickly found.A Williamsbridge man says his vehicle was stolen Monday while he was away on vacation, but it was quickly found.Fulton Fish Market, Jet.com partner for NYC deliveries
Fulton Fish Market, Jet.com partner for NYC deliveries
The Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point is partnering with the online grocery shopping site Jet.com – promising fresh fish deliveries in the New York City area.The Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point is partnering with the online grocery shopping site Jet.com – promising fresh fish deliveries in the New York City area.NYC commission outlaws discrimination based on hair, hairstyles
NYC commission outlaws discrimination based on hair, hairstyles
The city Human Rights Commission has released guidelines protecting New Yorkers from being discriminated due to their hair texture or style.The city Human Rights Commission has released guidelines protecting New Yorkers from being discriminated due to their hair texture or style.Shooting captured on video: NYPD seeks Bedford Park suspect
Shooting captured on video: NYPD seeks Bedford Park suspect
Authorities released surveillance video of the man behind a shooting in Bedford Park Saturday night.Authorities released surveillance video of the man behind a shooting in Bedford Park Saturday night.HUD administrator Lynne Patton gets stuck in NYCHA elevator
HUD administrator Lynne Patton gets stuck in NYCHA elevator
Lynne Patton, the Department of Housing and Urban Development's regional administrator, experienced a bit of a hiccup today as she continues her month-long stay at NYCHA complexes citywide.Lynne Patton, the Department of Housing and Urban Development's regional administrator, experienced a bit of a hiccup today as she continues her month-long stay at NYCHA complexes citywide.
GalleriesMore>>
Photos from Toy Fair 2019
Photos from Toy Fair 2019
The 116th annual North American International Toy Fair has begun.The 116th annual North American International Toy Fair has begun.Bronx Birthday Smiles
Bronx Birthday Smiles
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
It's a celebration! Is your or a loved one's birthday coming up? Let us know! Send us your photos and you could end up on air and News12.com!
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Boogie Down Bites Photos
Boogie Down Bites Photos
Here are some of the dishes featured on Boogie Down Bites.
Here are some of the dishes featured on Boogie Down Bites.
Just Married in The Bronx
Just Married in The Bronx
News 12 The Bronx wants to announce your wedding. If you were married in the past 90 days, please submit your photos via Twitter or Instagram using #JustMarriedBX.
News 12 The Bronx wants to announce your wedding. If you were married in the past 90 days, please submit your photos via Twitter or Instagram using #JustMarriedBX.
Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show trots into New York
Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show trots into New York
Photos from the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94 in February, 2019 in New York City.Photos from the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94 in February, 2019 in New York City.61st annual Grammy Awards
61st annual Grammy Awards
Photos from the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.Photos from the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
The exhibit opens to the public on Feb. 8 and closes on May 12.The exhibit opens to the public on Feb. 8 and closes on May 12.Your 2019 Bronx Valentine's Day Photos
Your 2019 Bronx Valentine's Day Photos
Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day! Share your photos with us.Celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day! Share your photos with us.Guide: Casinos
Guide: Casinos
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick.
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick. Here is a guide to casinos in the area.
Do you like to gamble? Or maybe you're just looking to get away for a weekend or for a night? The tri-state area has a couple casinos that may do the trick. Here is a guide to casinos in the area.