Jim Kerns, Boise Police deputy police chief.

Jim Kerns, Boise Police deputy police chief, said Friday Robert is still missing but he may be injured.

"Overnight, we located evidence that may bring us closer to finding out what happened to Robert," Kerns said at a Friday news conference. "The evidence we've uncovered shows there are suspicious circumstances regarding Robert's disappearance."

"He may be the victim of a tragic event."

Friday afternoon crime scene invesitgators with the Ada County Sheriff's Office were stationed outside a house on Southdale Ave., near Five Mile and Lake Hazel. Investigators spent several hours searching inside the home as well as the backyard. Police are not saying what the relationship maybe between the renters of the home and Robert Manwill, but neighbors say the couple knows Robert's family. Several neighbors say the couple has lived in the neighborhood several years and have several children. No one was home as investigators searched the property. What they are looking for police are not releasing at this time. A spokemswoman for Boise Police says developiong leads and evidence led them to this home. One niehgbrho, who didn't want to be identified worried what investigators might find, "His body buried in the backyard." Friday's massive volunteer search for the boy will continue.

Robert Manwill

It's now been a week since 8-year-old Robert has gone missing. On Friday, authorities and more than 1,600 volunteers have been searching for the missing boy.

Police would not say what they were searching for, what they removed, or why the search is happening now. However, it has been confirmed that K9 units were brought in to help with the investigation.

"(The community) response to find the missing little boy has been incredible," Kerns said.

Manwill went missing from the Oak Park Village apartment complex in Boise last Friday at about 10 p.m.

Police had initially believed the boy may have gone to an unknown friend's house for a party, but that was ruled out as a possibility.

This week, Jim Kerns, Boise Police deputy police chief, said they were following hundreds of leads including interviewing registered sex offenders in Boise.

And on late Thursday, authorities did an extensive search into the apartment complex where Robert was last seen. That search included seizing items from Robert's mother's apartment. They also towed her red SUV. Police did not elaborate why they searched her apartment.

"This is the most important investigation we've had in a long time," said Michael Masterson, Boise Police chief.