Father considered person of interest in case of missing 4-year-old Codi Bigsby

HAMPTON, Va. - Hampton Police provided updates Wednesday afternoon on the case of missing 4-year-old Codi Bigsby.

Police say they are expanding their search grid and searching areas that have not yet been searched. Officers will now use K9s and UAVs during the search. Emergency management and volunteer crews will continue to assist in the search.

They say their search at the NASA Steam Plant has concluded.

Sergeant R.C. Williams provided updates on the status of the investigation. He said Codi's father, 43-year-old Cory Bigsby is considered a person of interest in this case.

Searchers covered new ground Wednesday. Officers were knocking on doors in the Buckroe Beach neighborhood, about a mile from where Codi lives with his father.

“They’re looking around; they’re looking around for that little boy,” said Michael Watson, who lives in the Buckroe Beach neighborhood.

Search teams were handing out a flyer with Codi’s picture, showing what he was wearing when his father said he last saw him at their home on Monday.

“It’s really sad, really sad,” said Judy Holland of Buckroe Beach.

Police were combing backyards looking for any evidence that might lead them to the little boy.

“Earlier today, I seen a whole bunch of maybe volunteers further down around the creek,” Watson said.

Holland said she saw officers on ATVs searching through the woods, a marshy area with a creek near North Fourth Street and Richmond Drive. She lives across the street.

“I kept asking, ‘Is there anywhere I can look, anywhere I can look?’ and he said, ‘No just keep your eye out,’” said Holland.

The case reminded Holland of the search for 2-year-old Noah Tomlin. His body was found in Hampton’s Steam Plant in 2019.

“It takes me back to baby Noah because they were out here looking here too,” said Holland. “I just been glued to the TV because it kind of shocked me.”

An extensive search the steam plant Tuesday revealed no sign of Codi, but neighbors remain hopeful.

“There’s always hope,” said Watson. “I’m sure they’re doing everything they can.”

Holland agreed.

“I mean, it’s been so cold; I really do hope so,” she said.

News 3 asked, “Hope they find him alive?”

“Yes,” said Holland.

Police said Wednesday, they’re now using cadaver dogs in the search, stopping short of calling it a recovery effort. They said the search is still considered a rescue mission.

Cory is still at police headquarters voluntarily, and no formal charges have been filed at this time. Police say he is choosing to answer their questions and has been there since the day he reported Codi missing.

The Army confirmed Wednesday that Cory is an Army veteran who held the rank of Sgt. 1st Class at the end of service in September 2017. According to court documents, he was previously charged in 2018 with assault and battery involving a family member but was later dismissed.

Police say they are not ruling anything out at this time when asked if Codi's mother could be a person of interest.

Police said they still need the public's help with knowing Cory and Codi's last whereabouts. Any information could be of value to the police. They are asking residents of the Old Buckroe neighborhood to search their properties and report anything suspicious.

Police describe Codi as a 4-year-old boy who is approximately 3' tall. He was last seen wearing all-black clothing and Spider-Man flip-flops.

During a press conference on Monday, Chief Talbot said Codi's dad told authorities he woke up Monday morning and found his son was missing. The father said he looked all over and Codi was nowhere to be found.

Officers searched again and were also unable to find Codi. Police say other young children were in the home and they are safe.

If you know anything, you're asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com or via the P3Tips app. Police did post a link asking for volunteers to help in their search. They only took the first 50 people so that link is now closed.

Related: Community comes together to search for missing 4-year-old in Hampton