Mystery deepens over 'boy in the attic' as cause of death revealed four years after vanishing in New York

The 12-year-old was last seen leaving his home as he headed to the grocery store - just five miles from where his body was found - on August 4, 2020.

Now, his father, Brian Griffin said his son was stabbed to death with a sharp object.

The boy's death certificate does not make clear how many times he was stabbed or when he was killed, according to HNGN.

A missing person's report was not filed until two days after he was last seen and he was classed as a runaway until his body was discovered.

While his father received a sense of relief when his son was found, mother Joann Ponzo sadly passed away due to illness and a "broken heart" in September 2023.

Tragically, Griffin's brother, Jawaan was also killed after being shot in front of the family's home in November 2020.

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In a press conference, Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said that Griffin's body had been in 107 Sheffield Avenue "for a significant amount of time."

He said it was so deteriorated that the medical examiner's office had to confirm the identity using dental records.

"First and foremost, I do want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family of Jaylen," Gramaglia said.

"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."

The house where his body was found appears to have a gruesome past as Griffin's body was the fourth to be found on the property over the last four years, according to WIVB.

The address has reportedly been the subject of 160 complaints to 911 since 2007.

Neighbours in the area claim the house frequently changed tenants over the years.