Child Found Dead in Pond After Intensive Search

BASTROP - The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office received a report on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, about a missing 7-year-old child, Jesus J. Castellanos-Carreon. 

The parents, Felipe Castellanos and Blanca Carreon-Antonio, raised the alarm after discovering Jesus was missing, which prompted an immediate search effort.

Upon realizing that Jesus might have ventured into a large pond near their residence on Pasadera Road, the parents dialed 9-1-1, initiating a response from the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office and a host of other first responders.

Authorities then launched an air, water, and ground search. The water rescue team from the Austin Police Department located the lifeless body of Jesus in the pond at 7:50 P.M. 

The water temperature at the time was recorded at 56 degrees, and the body was found submerged in 5 feet of water.

The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office stated that Jesus was autistic and mentioned that It is “not uncommon for autistic children to be attracted to water such as ponds, pools, and water tanks.”

The collaborative efforts of various first responders were involved in the search and recovery mission. 

The teams included the Elgin Police Department, Elgin Fire Department, North Bastrop Fire Department, Bastrop Fire Department, Heart of the Pines Fire Department, DPS for air support, Round Rock Police Department, Austin Police Department, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Judge Cindy Allen, and Acadian EMS.