FBI searches Ocean County woods for evidence in boys' 1975 disappearance

FBI agents have searched a wildlife refuge along the Jersey Shore as they investigate the decades-old disappearance of two boys who were roommates at a state facility for children with developmental disabilities.

The search of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford comes as investigators refocus their efforts on the 1975 disappearance of 12-year-old David Williams of Newark and 17-year-old Steven Anderson of Westville.

The boys apparently wandered into the woods surrounding what today is the New Lisbon Developmental Center and were never seen again.

They were unable to care for themselves without supervision. According to the FBI, Williams was an epileptic, who wore a protective helmet and needed to take daily anti-seizure medication. Anderson, who was in good physical condition, had trouble communicating.

Last month, FBI officials said they had promising new information in the case but declined to elaborate. The agency announced that Williams and Anderson were added to the FBI’s website in the Kidnapping/Missing Persons section.

“Whenever there is a case involving any missing child, no matter how long they have been missing, it will always be a top priority for the FBI,” FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher said in October. “We will work with our local, state, and federal partners, to someday bring closure for the families of these two missing children.”

Officials have not said if anything was found during the search.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Atlantic City Resident Agency of the Newark FBI office at 609-677-6400. Tips can also be submitted online at https://tips.fbi.gov/.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.