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Timeline: Disappearance Of 5-Year-Old Joe Clyde Daniels

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Hundreds of volunteers searched for miles for 5-year-old Joe Clyde Daniels in Dickson after his family said the autistic boy was missing and had possibly walked away from their home. Later, authorities confirmed they arrested Joe's father, Joseph Daniels, and charged him with homicide.

April 3: Joe Clyde last seen

  • This was reportedly the last time Joseph Daniels said he saw his son when he put him to bed at their home on Garners Creek Road.

April 4: TBI issues Endangered Child Alert

April 5: Search Begins

  • Search crews, including authorities and hundreds of volunteers, spent hours searching multiple locations for the child. 
  • Authorities confirmed numerous tips came in concerning possible evidence or sightings of the boy who's non-verbal and has an autism spectrum disorder.
  • The father spoke to NewsChannel 5's Nick Beres and told him they were heartbroken. He added they had given the child's scent to the K-9 units from the child's clothing and pillow. The father also said authorities told them not to join the search because their scents could distract the K-9 units.
  • A footprint was reportedly found that authorities hoped belonged to the 5-year-old.
  • K-9's picked up his scent leading into a pond near his home. The pond was drained, but nothing was found. The scent abruptly dropped off.
  • Nearby residents with cameras and hunters with cameras in the woods were asked to search their footage for clues.

April 6: Search continues

April 7: Father arrested, charged with homicide

April 8: Grandmother says they believe he's still alive

  • The search continued for the 5-year-old's remains.
  • Multiple vigils were held for Joe Clyde Daniels with hundreds of people showing up to honor and remember him.
  • The child's grandmother (and stepmother of his accused killer) spoke to NewsChannel 5.

April 10: Mother arrested and charged with aggravated child neglect or endangerment. 

April 13: Mother and father make first court appearance

June 4: Case bound over to Grand Jury

June 8: Both parents indicted

August 20: Father moved from prison to mental health facility

October 7: Search hits 6-month anniversary

October 18: Father writes letter, claiming Joe Clyde is still alive