‘He’s not this villain’: Family of Cory Bigsby speaks out for first time since 4-year-old Codi’s disappearance, announces $25K reward
The family of missing 4-year-old Codi Bigsby spoke extensively for the first time since his disappearance nearly six months ago — to announce a $25,000 award for information leading to his whereabouts and to defend his father from accusations he harmed the boy.
Cory Bigsby reported his son missing in January from their Hampton home. Police were openly skeptical of his account and interrogated him for three days before arresting him on child neglect charges. He’s remained in jail without bond, and a grand jury indicted him earlier this month on 30 charges — most related to accusations he left his four young children home alone.
Speaking at a news conference Friday at a Norfolk law office, Cory Bigsby’s uncle, who chose to be identified only by his last name, Hinnant, said the department’s holding of Bigsby was like “kidnapping,” and that the department stacked up charges to cover up for wrongdoing.
“I thought it was innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “But if you look at Cory’s case, Cory is guilty, according to Hampton, Virginia, until he proves himself innocent. I thought the law worked the other way.”
Cory Bigsby’s aunt, Jeannette Hinnant, said through tears that her nephew had never been in any trouble.
“He’s a provider. He’s a good dad ... He’s not this villain that you think,” she said.
Family members said they have no idea where Codi is — but know he isn’t dead.
“As I prayed and asked the Lord, he told me (Codi) was alive,” Jeannette Hinnant said.
The family is offering $25,000, sponsored by T.V. Unleashed, for information leading to Codi’s whereabouts.
During the news conference, family members reiterated claims previously made by Cory Bigsby’s attorney, Amina Matheny-Willard, that the Hampton Police Division violated Bigsby’s rights. Matheny-Willard said Bigsby’s previous attorney instructed family members not to speak to the media and to delete their social media accounts.
Cory Bigsby told police he last saw Codi asleep in his bed at about 2 a.m. Jan. 31, and that the boy was gone when he woke up later that morning. He was questioned at Hampton police headquarters for three days until he was charged with seven child neglect charges stemming from allegations he left his children at home unattended on two occasions.
Bigsby’s sister, Tandaleyia Butler, said she stayed at the police station the first night her brother was held, and was told he was free to leave if he wanted.
“There’s no way he’s free to leave and doesn’t want to leave,” Butler said. “Even if he wants to help you find his son, he would want to do it from home, around people that love him.”
Matheny-Willard said the department denied Cory’s right to counsel, held him for four days without food or water, and attempted to get a false confession.
“When you go to report your child missing, it’s unfortunate that you have to be concerned that you’re going to be prosecuted, especially as a Black male in this country,” Matheny-Willard said.
Hampton Police Chief Mark Talbot said the Hampton Police Division “mishandled” their interrogation of Bigsby when he asked for an attorney. The lead detective on the case was placed on administrative leave, but police have said there are no issues with the statements Bigsby made before he asked for a lawyer.
The family repeated its demands for the department to issue an Amber Alert. Police did not issue one in the case, saying that the information available did not meet the criteria for the alert, which includes a reasonable belief an abduction has occurred, and that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
Butler said Bigsby’s other children are currently in the foster care system, and the family has been unable to contact them. She said the family members are being “vetted,” and the process could take months.
“I just believe that the Hampton Police Department is trying to cover up for them not doing their part,” Butler said.
A spokesperson for Hampton police declined Friday to respond to the family’s comments.
Family members issued one final plea.
“Whoever might have Codi, just put him where we can find him,” Jeannette Hinnant said. “I don’t care if you turn yourself in. Put him someplace where we can find him.”
Lauren Girgis, lauren.girgis@virginiamedia.com
