Mother's boyfriend charged with 1st degree murder in death of toddler

GASTONIA, NC (WJZY) - Human remains found in the area where police and volunteers were searching are confirmed to be that of missing 3-year-old Jordyn Ann Dumont, according to the Gaston County police chief.

Police said around 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 16 search crews located the remains of a toddler approximately 500 to 750 yards away from the family's residence.

They believe Jordan was deceased prior to when she was reported missing. Police said they believe the murder occurred within the past 24 to 36 hours.

Listen: Emotional 911 call made the day 3-year-old Jordyn Dumont disappeared

According to Gaston County police, the mother's boyfriend, identified as William Joseph McCullen, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jordyn Ann Dumont. He was booked at 2:38 p.m. Tuesday.

In a news conference held on Tuesday, police said this case remains open and ongoing. They are currently looking into McCullen's whereabouts over the past 24 hours.

What specifically led to McCullen's arrest remains unknown at this time.

No details were released on the condition of Jordan's body. The FBI's Evidence Response Team is assisting the Gaston County Police Department in the recovery of the remains. Police said her body has been taken to the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office for final identification and autopsy.

Gaston County police said the family's home address has a lengthy history with a total of 49 calls placed from the home over the past three years. Calls ranged from noise disturbance to domestic.

Statement from the Director of Gaston Co. Health & Human Services:

"We are heartbroken to hear about the death of this young child. Any loss of life is a tragedy, but when a child dies it causes a feeling of loss in the entire community. Our thoughts are with the family and all those who knew and loved this child. While confidentiality laws* prevent us from commenting about a specific case, we want the public to know that our professionals stand ready to assist in any way possible."

Jordyn was reportedly last seen at approximately 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 15 at her house in the 1900 block of Bess Town Road in Bessemer City.

According to police, Gaston County 911 was notified of the missing 3-year-old girl at approximately 3:30 p.m. Monday.

Police suspended their search at 9:30 p.m. Monday due to lack of light, and continued their search early Tuesday morning.

Anyone with information concerning this case, to include the whereabouts of Billy Joseph McCullen over the last 24 hours, is asked to contact the Gaston County Police Department at 704-866-3320 or Crime Stoppers at 704-861-8000.