The parents of a missing 14-year-old Indiana boy, Scottie Dean Morris, are alleged to have forced him to wear a T-shirt with "demeaning" words as punishment, according to local police.

Eaton Indiana Police Department had shared a photo of Morris, who has been unaccounted for nearly a week as of Wednesday, with a shaved head and wearing a white T-shirt with handwritten words, including "I’m a liar," "hurt," and "cheat." The photo was later removed and replaced with a cropped version showing Morris’s face. Eaton Police Chief Jason Turner confirmed that the shaved head was Morris' idea but called the shirt "unorthodox" and "disturbing."

Morris's parents have been described as "heartbroken" and are cooperating with the investigation. Police are asking the public to respect their privacy.

Morris's mother publicly pleaded for her son's safe return, saying, "Scott, I love you and I want you to come home. And I know that you’re mad and confused, and I’m afraid that you’re scared of all of this. Everyone is out looking for you, and we’re not trying to scare you. You’re not in trouble. If you’re in a house, and they come to you, and you don’t want to go out because it’s the cops, reach out. Me and dad will come get you, OK?"

Despite organized search teams being suspended, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources continues assisting with boats, sonar, and dive teams. The authorities are investigating leads and conducting interviews while officers search rental properties where Morris may be hiding.

"We ask that you refrain from making false statements and accusations. A law enforcement meeting will be held today with the Indiana State Police, Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources along with a Federal Organization. Several interviews have been conducted and many properties and residences have been searched throughout this investigation."

Morris is described as a white male, weighing around 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. The Indiana State Police have issued a Silver Alert, stating that Morris is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.