Less than a week ago, body parts were found in the East River in Queens. On Tuesday, DNA testing confirmed that those body parts were identified as missing 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo.
Oquendo was last seen walking out of his Long Island City school on October 4th. Since then, his family has been desperately searching for him and praying for his safe return.
According to the Oquendo family, Avonte was last seen on surveillance video at a park near the water. The family does not suspect that Avonte willingly entered the water because of fear.
Police have not yet identified Avonte’s cause of death.
Our prayers are with the Oquendo family. May Avonte rest in peace.
Visit NBC New York for more on the Avonte Oquendo case.