Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The grandmother of Amir Jennings, the Columbia toddler who's been missing since November, says she believes her grandson is still alive.
Jocelyn Jennings Nelson spoke to reporters late Thursday afternoon, just before a prayer vigil for the child was set to start.
Amir Jennings was last seen around Thanksgiving. The child's mother, Zinah Jennings, is in police custody, and investigators say she has been uncooperative.
"I don't know what happened in my daughter's life that brought her to this very dark place," Nelson said. "I can't imagine the feeling of being incarcerated and thinking it's okay."
Since the disappearance became public, officers have received plenty of leads, but none that have provided the clues necessary to find the child.
"I don't know why she is not willing to share," Nelson said. "I don't know if she can share where Amir is and where she left him."
Zinah Jennings herself was listed as missing for a time, but she resurfaced after a car accident in late December. Investigators have since pursued leads in other states, including the Atlanta area.
"We're wondering if she sold him, if she gave him away, if she was threatened," Nelson wondered.
Despite media reports which have negatively portrayed her daughter, Nelson said the public is getting a skewed view of Zinah Jennings.
"My daughter was a doting and loving mother...and she was looking forward to her future. She had goals and dreams that we all hoped for."
Nelson asked that the public continue to offer tips to police, who she believes will find the child.
Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or e-mail a tip in to Crimestoppers of the Midlands. You can also text information in by texting "TIPSC" plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Either way you choose, your identity will remain anonymous, and you could be eligible for a cash reward.