Family holds prayer service for missing SC boy

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Relatives of a South Carolina boy missing since Thanksgiving are holding a candlelight prayer service.

Jocelyn Jennings Nelson spoke to reporters before Thursday’s vigil. She says she still thinks her grandson is alive and that she prays that wherever he is, he is being cared for.

Amir was 18 months old when Nelson reported him missing around Thanksgiving.

The boy’s mother has been in jail since late December on a cruelty to children charge. Police say Zinah Jennings has lied to them about where her son is.

Nelson says her daughter was a doting mother, but then something brought her to a dark place. She says she prays for her too.

Authorities say they are still following leads to try and figure out what happened to the boy.