Family, community members, and ultimately many NY residents joined to pay their last respects to 14 year old Avonte Oquendo; hit the jump for more.
DNA Tests Confirm Remains Found Were Definitely Avonte Oquendo
Late last week, body parts were found in the river 11 miles from where 14-year-old autistic teen Avonte Oquendo walked out of school and went missing back in October, and today, DNA tests confirm what most feared: they are his. An arm, torso, legs, a skull and teeth were all recovered, but thankfully, police say the remains appear to have separated via decomposition, NOT a violent act. As of now, they believe that Avonte was being chased by a dog (sadly, one of his biggest fears), tripped and fell down a steep hill that landed him in the water. His family has yet to make a statement. So truly sad, but at least they have SOME sort of closure. RIP, Avonte!
(Photos) UPDATE: Avonte May Have Drowned After Running From Dog ?!
Police are now saying that Avonte Oquendo may have died after running from a dog and falling into the East River. This idea has become the top theory for the missing 14 year old. To read more, click below.
(Video) Body Parts Found On Beach In Queens May Belong To Missing Autistic Boy Avonte Oquendo
After Avonte Oquendo went missing in October, the police have been searching day and night for the Autistic Queens boy. Remains washed up onto the shore of College Point, Queens and officials believe they could possibly belong to the missing teen. As of now, two human legs, one arm, and a torso were discovered at the crime scene but the police are still searching for more evidence in the area. What leads officers to believe that the body parts belong to Oquendo is that the feet had a pair of size 5 1/2 Nike Air Jordans on, which were the exact shoes he was wearing when he went missing. The Oquendo family’s attorney, David Perecman, stated that the remains turned up with a size 16 jean, also the same size of the boy. Oquendo’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine, is reportedly “skeptical” of the discovery being that the whole body has yet to be found.
It’s Been 3 Weeks Since The Search For Avonte Oquendo Began, Are Police Starting To Lose Hope???
After an extensive search began for a missing autistic teen who reportedly ran out of school in NYC, 3 weeks in, authorities seem to be losing faith in finding the teen, hit the jump for more!
Search For Missing Autistic Teen Reaches 11 Days; Reward Now Up To $70k
On Friday, October 4, 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo, who is severely autistic and does not speak, was last seen on camera running out of his Long Island City school. His family, friends and supporters have been searching day and night for him since then, and are now offering a reward of $70k for his safe return. Avonte reportedly has a great knowledge of the subway system, but as the flyers read, he could be anywhere by now. He is black, 5 feet 3 inches tall and 120 pounds and was wearing a gray striped shirt, black jeans and black sneakers when he went missing. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES), then entering TIP577. All tips are strictly confidential.
