Two suspects, one body, and one missing boy in Dayton, Ohio.
The Facts
On March 25, 2014, Nichelle McKnight went to confront her ex-boyfriend Antwan Anderson about money that was being stolen from her by Anderson’s current girlfriend, Tonisha Harris. It is alleged that Anderson was instructing Harris to take money from McKnight’s Chase bank account, and using her credit card to rack up $3,000 worth of purchases at WalMarts in the nearby area. Nichelle went to confront Anderson and Harris at 23 Birchwood Ave, in Dayton, Ohio. Unfortunately, on that day, Nichelle also had her four year old son Zaden McKnight with her, and neither of them would be seen alive again.
Zaden McKnight has never received justice for his disappearance, and neither has his family. Nichelle McKnight’s body was found in Dayton, Ohio along Stillwater River just days after her disappearance. Once her body was found, there were massive volunteer searches coordinated by the family through their Facebook page, “Missing Child: Zaden McKnight.” The police also conducted their own investigations of the area near the Stillwater River and of the Birchwood Avenue home, to no avail. Bloodhounds were unable to pick up on a scent or trail leading to any new information about Zaden. Nichelle was believed to have been murdered by Anderson in the basement of Harris’ home on Birchwood Ave. However, we may never know for certain, as Anderson would never be found guilty of his alleged crimes.
On April 7, 2014, officers with the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) spotted Anderson leaving the home on Birchwood Ave. At this time, Anderson was their prime suspect. After an attempt to pull him over, a chase ensued, which led to an intoxicated Anderson committing suicide. With his death likely died the answers as to why Nichelle was murdered, and where Zaden is today. The family believed that they may receive answers from Tonisha Harris when she was arrested following Anderson’s suicide, but unfortunately those questions are still unanswered.
Tonisha Harris was found guilty of Tampering with Evidence (3rd Degree Felony) and Abuse of a Corpse (5th Degree Felony) on November 25, 2015. This conviction was due to the fact that blood and the shoes Zaden was wearing were found in her basement on Birchwood Ave. Harris was released from prison on August 26, 2018, and gets to live her days free as the family is still burdened with worry. To this day, Harris has adamantly denied knowing anything about the murder(s) that occured in her own home. She has yet to come forward to help Nichelle and Zaden’s family get closure.
Although investigators believe that Zaden is dead, his family is holding out hope that he will one day return home safely. They won’t accept his death unless his body is recovered. Nichelle was a retired Senior Airmen stationed at Wright Patt Air Force Base, and a hard-working single mother. She was a strong role model for her only son, and is missed dearly by everyone who knew her. The family won’t stop looking or holding out hope until they have answers.
Where Could He Be?
If Zaden has passed away, his body could be somewhere in the Dayton, Ohio area. The most likely place would be somewhere near the Stillwater River, although we don’t know if his body was left someplace else. If Zaden is alive, he is nine years old now. He’s still young enough that he won’t look drastically different from his photos at four years old. It’s possible that he was given to someone else that Antwan Anderson or Tonisha Harris knew to be raised. If this is the case, it’s likely that the person raising him is someone who wouldn’t be questioned by having a new four year old boy in their home. This person could regularly be taking in children who have no place else to go, or parents unfit to raise them*.
*This is my own speculation. This opinion has not been shared by investigators in Zaden’s case.
What Can You Do?
If you know anything about the whereabouts of Zaden McKnight, please contact the Dayton Police Department at 937-333-2677 or the Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-7867.
Just Missing 