The search for a missing Arkansas mother and her six-week-old baby daughter, who were last seen walking toward a boat ramp, has entered its third week. Ashlynn Bocksnick, 20, and her infant daughter, Lalynn Dream Williams, were last seen on June 25 leaving a home in Dardanelle, Arkansas.
Dardanelle police responded to the home around 2:50 a.m. on June 25, following a report of a "possible suicidal person." Officers discovered that Bocksnick and her baby were no longer at the residence.
Approximately two hours later, police located Bocksnick's vehicle parked at the boat ramp in Veteran's Park near the Arkansas River. Surveillance footage captured Bocksnick driving to the location and parking at the ramp. The footage also showed her opening a rear passenger door, leaning into the vehicle for about a minute, and then walking towards the water. Authorities stated that while an object was picked up from the car, it was not visible due to distance, but the car seat was in the location where she leaned in. It remains unclear from the footage whether she was holding her infant daughter when she entered the water.
Authorities have clarified that the case is being investigated as a missing person case, with no foul play suspected. Police confirmed that no arguments occurred at the home before Bocksnick left. The individual who made the 911 call had expressed concern about the safety of Bocksnick and her baby due to statements made prior to their departure. Bocksnick left her phone at the residence before she disappeared. Law enforcement has since obtained the phone, but it is password-protected and inaccessible to authorities. The FBI is assisting in the investigation to attempt to access the device for relevant information.
While pregnant, Bocksnick had posted on social media about her anticipation of meeting her daughter. A search warrant has been obtained for Bocksnick's bank accounts, but no financial activity has been detected. Federal authorities are also reviewing surveillance video from City Hall as part of their assistance.
Crews continue to search the Arkansas River for Bocksnick and Lalynn. Dardanelle Mayor Jimmy Witt announced during a City Council meeting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would reduce the river's water flow to 50,000 cubic feet per second on Friday, a move expected to significantly aid search capabilities in previously inaccessible areas. Witt described the situation as a "stressful time, mentally and physically" for the community and expressed gratitude for the widespread assistance.
To date, the search has covered 85 miles of the river, from Dardanelle Lock and Dam to the River Bridge in Little Rock, and various other stretches. Assistance has come from 36 agencies across Arkansas, including five drone teams, civilian boats, seven K-9 teams, a survival flight helicopter, and a personal airplane. Divers have reported visibility of only one to two inches underwater due to current water flow and debris, hindering underwater searches. The Arkansas State Police, leading the investigation, stated on Thursday evening that there was no new information to release.
