Sheriff: Noah Thomas' body found in septic tank near his home

PULASKI CO. (WSLS 10) - The Pulaski County Sheriff said Thursday during a short news conference that Noah Thomas' body had been found in a septic tank near his home. 

The sheriff also said his parents continue to cooperate. 

The Pulaksi County 5-year-old had been missing since Sunday, but was found dead Thursday afternoon just after 1:00 p.m., according to the Sheriff. 

The discovery came shortly after the sheriff announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to Noah's whereabouts. 

A heavy officer presence was present at the home beginning just before 2:00 p.m. Thursday, when a news conference was originally scheduled, but was canceled. 

Crime scene tape had been put around Noah's home and a hazardous materials team arrived on the scene around 3:15 p.m. Hours before Noah was found Thursday, the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office announced it was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the location of Noah. The Sheriff's Office, along with other state and federal officials, said they were following up on more than 100 credible leads.

In a news conference Thursday before Noah was found, Sheriff Jim Davis said they had tips coming in from all over the country. Search crews were planning to move their command center to the NRV Fairgrounds. 

WSLS 10 asked if there was any evidence to confirm if the family was in fact home with Noah Sunday morning, March 22. 

Sheriff Davis said they were going by family statements and Sheriff Davis said he had spent many hours with Noah's parents and asked the public to not judge them, stating, "They're living in a nightmare," and "their grief is obvious." 

Noah's parents are originally from Radford, Virginia.