Case File 1923DMTX
Left: McNeil, circa 1997; Right: Progressed to age 16 years (circa 2010)
Deangelo Marquis McNeil
Missing since April 17, 1997 from Houston, Harris County, Texas
Classification: Endangered Missing
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Disappearance
McNeil was last seen at his home in Houston, Texas on April 17, 1997.
McNeil had been in the custody of the state Department of Protective and Regulatory Services since January 1995, when he was 7 months old and his mother was sent to prison on a theft conviction.
McNeil and his brother were returned to their mother by December but remained in in the state's legal custody.
Investigators became suspicious in March, when they noticed a fading bruise under DeAngelo's right eye. His mother told the investigators the child had fallen, and investigators began calling the boy's day care center for information.
Some time in mid-April, the mother removed DeAngelo from day care, and when CPS went to McNeil's home to get the boy in April 1997, he was gone and has been missing ever since.
The mother told an investigator that she had allowed the boy to stay with his father, but could give no address or telephone number for the father. Investigators believe Deangelo is not with his father, who was traced to the Dominican Republic.
The mother was charged with injury to a child and interfering with child custody. She was sentenced to 75 years in prison for injuring the child.
Prosecutors have said they think McNeil might have killed her son, something she denies.
Investigators Harris County Attorney's Office
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
713-394-4448
Agency Case Number: 87144
NCMEC #: NCMC832954
NCIC Number: M-025426098 Source Information:
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse
Child Protection Education of America, Inc.
Houston Chronicle