Cadaver-sniffing dogs used in search

Search for boy, 5, turns to cemetery

Lynn and State Police have brought in cadaver-sniffing dogs as they continue their search for a missing 5-year-old boy.

A spokesman for the Essex district attorney's office said that the use of dogs to search Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn is not based on any new information, but that officials wanted to cover all bases as they look for the boy.

"We are committed to bringing that little boy home," said Steve O'Connell, a spokesman for Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett.

Police have been looking for the boy, 5-year-old Giovanni Gonzalez, for more than a week, after his mother reported that he disappeared while in the custody of his father.

The father, Ernesto L. Gonzalez Jr., 36, of Lynn, has been charged with child endangerment and is being held on $500,000 cash bail.

The boy's mother, Daisy Colon of East Boston, told police she brought her son to visit his father on Aug. 15, part of an unofficial custody arrangement. She returned to pick him up two days later and the father would not answer the door.

Police made their way into the home and found the elder Gonzalez inside. He denied ever having the boy and has been uncooperative. But at least one witness told police he saw the father and son together on Aug. 16, the day after his mother dropped him off.

Police have been particularly concerned because Gonzalez has refused to discuss a cut on his hand that they fear may be related to the boy's disappearance.

A massive search for the boy has been underway over the past week. Police have searched parks and a trash bin, and have used helicopters and dogs.

Last week, authorities said they found a mop in Gonzalez's apartment that appeared to have been stained with blood and cleaned with bleach. Authorities have not identified the source of the blood. Also, authorities seized several knives and the cap of a household cleanser that appeared to be bloodstained.

The boy's mother, has made public pleas for anybody with information to come forward.

Milton Valencia can be reached at mvalencia@globe.com.