A search is ongoing for Hayden Manis, a 9-year-old Indiana boy whose disappearance went unnoticed for over five years. Hayden’s family mistakenly beli
A heartbreaking search is underway for Hayden Manis, a 9-year-old Indiana boy whose disappearance went unnoticed for more than five years. His family, believing he was in the custody of his father, only realized the sad reality late last year.
Hayden’s early years were marked by instability. Both of his parents lost custody of him due to drug-related arrests when he was a baby. As per reports, he was placed in the care of his grandfather, Gary Manis, whom he affectionately called “Paw Paw.” Despite his family’s concerns, the court later returned Hayden to his father, Dustin Manis, after he completed his probation and drug treatment.
“I told them, I begged them, not to give him back. Wasn’t my choice. Wouldn’t even let me speak in court,” the granddad said. “He did what they required of him and they gave (Hayden) back.” For a short while, the family remained in contact with Hayden. They invited him and Dustin to gatherings, but over time, the father’s responses became less frequent. By Christmas Eve 2019, all visits had stopped.
For years, Hayden’s family assumed he was simply living with his father, unaware of the tragic possibility that he was missing. They sent messages and invitations, receiving vague reassurances but never seeing him again. Dustin eventually moved out of town in 2021 and cut off all communication.
It wasn’t until late 2023 that Hayden’s disappearance came to light—entirely by chance. Two of his great-grandmothers ran into each other at a grocery store, where one mentioned that Dustin had told her he lost custody of Hayden years earlier. Alarmed, she contacted Gary Manis, and the family quickly reported the boy missing.
Law enforcement launched an investigation, tracking down Dustin. When questioned, he falsely claimed that Child Protective Services had taken Hayden and returned him to his mother. Police soon uncovered the truth—Hayden had been missing since at least 2020.
As per the New York Post, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said, “To say that that has complicated the case is an understatement. To get the call in 2024 that you’ve not seen a child since 2020 is a huge hurdle.”
Before more answers could be uncovered, Dustin was arrested in November on drug charges. He was later released on bond, only to die of a drug overdose soon after. With his death, the search for Hayden has become even more urgent—and more difficult.
With no leads or sightings, Hayden Manis’ family believes he may no longer be alive. Despite months of nonstop investigation, no evidence has surfaced to indicate his whereabouts.
Now nearly 10 years old, Hayden has been added to the national registry of missing and exploited children. Authorities remain committed to solving the case, reviewing every possible lead.
