Search for missing toddler continues

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “It’s been weighing heavy on the hearts and minds of all of these law enforcement officers, they do not take this lightly, it’s for many one of the worst situations they’ve been in,” says Jennifer Timmons, Public Information Officer for the Columbia Police Department. It’s been more than sixty days since anyone has seen 18 month old Amir Jennings and Thursday Columbia Police along with Richland County deputies, FBI and SLED searched for the toddler by foot and ATV. “Any sort of tip that comes, any bit of information that comes in, Chief Scott said that he would follow through on that and this is just one example of that,” says Timmons. But after searching for hours, there was no sign of Amir. “Nothing that would lead us to his whereabouts,” says Timmons Since the toddler went missing, police say his mother, 22 year old Zinah Jennings, has repeatedly lied to them about his whereabouts. Jennings remains in custody charged with unlawful conduct towards a child. Just Thursday, ABC Columbia News obtained court documents from Jenning’s defense attorney stating she is pregnant and has been declared mentally ill. The motions filed also state Jennings is being held at a psychiatric facility where she is undergoing treatment. In the meantime Columbia Police say they will continue to search for Amir Jennings and they continue to ask for the public’s help. “The good thing is we continue to receive these tips, they have not dwindled so to speak,” says Timmons. A $10,000 reward is still being offered in this case to anyone who has information that would lead police to Amir’s whereabouts. As for Zinah, her attorney, Hemphill Pride, II says a court hearing for her case is imminent. This is a story we will continue to follow bringing you updates as they become available. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Amir Jennings you are asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME SC.