It has been seven years since 10-year-old Ariel Kouakou disappeared while walking to a friend’s house in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
Thursday, the Missing Children’s Network, in collaboration with the Kouakou family, Montreal police (SPVM) and others, unveiled an updated poster of the boy in the hopes he’ll finally be found.
“March 12 marked the seventh anniversary of Ariel’s disappearance,” said the Missing Children’s Network. “His absence remains a deep sorrow for his loved ones and for the entire community. This updated poster symbolizes our collective commitment to never forget Ariel.”
The poster was installed at the junction of Henri-Bourassa Boulevard and de l’Acadie Avenue at the entrance of Parc Marcelin-Wilson, near where he was last seen.
Seven long years
Ariel Kouakou was last seen on March 12, 2018, walking to visit a friend a few blocks away.
Surveillance footage captured a person who looked like Kouakou entering the Parc des Bateliers, in Montreal’s north end, but there is no evidence that he ever exited the park.
During the initial search, police combed through the wooded areas and used icebreakers on the Rivière des Prairies, which runs along the park’s northern shore.
A few weeks later, police ended their river search, saying the waters had become too dangerous for the divers.
In the months following his disappearance, Montreal police received hundreds of tips, but none brought about any answers.
At the time, Ariel was described as 4′6″ tall and 90 lb in weight.
He has brown eyes and black hair and is French-speaking.
He was last seen wearing a black jacket, grey pants and yellow shoes.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 911, contact their local police station or call Info-Crime Montreal anonymously and confidentially at 514 393 1133.
—
