Teen Arrested Over Missing Autistic Boy

A 16-year-old family member has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the case of a missing 11-year-old autistic boy in southern California, Sky news reported.

Menifee police chief John Hill said a human body that matched the description of Terry Dewayne Smith Jr was found partially exposed in a shallow grave on the family property.

Mr Hill said the death was the result of a domestic issue at the house.

The body has not yet been positively identified.

The child was last seen near his semi-rural home on Saturday when he followed his half-brother, who told him to return home, according to the Desert Sun.

His mother did not realise he was missing until the next day.

A massive search operation involving hundreds of volunteers was launched amid fears Terry may have wandered off without food, water or his medication in an area that has seen triple-digit temperatures.

On a Facebook page, his mother said that without his medication, Terry may be "over sensitive and may be walking on his tiptoes".

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department and other agencies, including the FBI, have been involved in the investigation and search of the region, which is about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

With the help of sniffer dogs, helicopters and horseback riders, they concentrated on a 55-square mile area in the dry brown hills of Menifee, where temperatures have topped 100 degrees every day since the child went missing.

Searchers were also instructed to call him by his nickname "Juju" because hearing his full name called out may cause him to believe he is in trouble and flee.

Terry's aunt, Tracy Armato, told KCAL-TV said people should "be gentle".

She added: "We don't know if he'll be scared of all the searchers."

Menifee mayor Scott Mann told reporters: "We pledge that we will continue this search effort until such time as circumstances dictate otherwise.

"We will continue searching. We will find Terry."

The 4ft 8in youngster has sandy brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue basketball shorts.