Search for Cohoes suspects continues, 3 years after infant death

COHOES — Investigators mark the sad anniversary of the death of 6-week-old Eli in different ways every year.

It was a case that gripped the community. Baby Eli died at just six weeks old, three years ago Saturday, December 3. Then his guardian, Anthony Ojeda, was charged with his murder, and then Ojeda and his husband Neil Garzon disppeared from their Cohoes home.

During all this time, investigators never stopped working on this case.

“Given the age of the victim, a six-week-old infant who had no chance to defend themselves, no chance to ask for help,” said Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin. “It’s up to us to make sure that given the unfortunate circumstance of what took place that there is justice for Eli.”

Prosecutors say the infant had injuries to his ribs and head, and toxic levels of methamphetamine that killed him.

After their arrest, the couple was released with conditions in June 2021, then took off two months later. They were spotted at one point in Lebo, Kansas in a car with Indiana plates.

The U.S. Marshals are now on their trail. They announced six months ago that Ojeda is now one of the most wanted fugitives in the country.

Cohoes Detective Sergeant Michael Greene was at the hospital when the baby passed away.

Monday he pulled out Eli’s prayer card that he keeps with him every day.

“It’s keeping me bonded to the case to make sure that I don’t ever forget to keep fighting for him,” he said. “To make sure that he’s not forgotten.”

Someone out there knows something.

There is a $25.000 reward for information leading to the capture of Anthony Ojeda. Anyone with information can call 877-WANTED-2, or go online to leave a tip on the U.S. Marshals website.

Investigators are waiting for word that the couple has been caught.

“I don’t care if it’s two am, three am,” said Greene. “I pray that phone call comes.”