KINGSLAND, Ga. – Kingsland police confirmed Tuesday that a missing 15-year-old teenager was found dead after last being seen in the May Creek area on Friday morning, but many questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered.
Initially, police announced the teen’s disappearance with his name and photo, asking for public help. By Saturday afternoon, authorities said the teen had been located and contact was made with his parents.
However, police did not clarify whether the teen was found safe at that time. Subsequent posts removed the teen’s name and blocked his face, raising questions among the community.
Then, on Tuesday, Kingsland police released a statement confirming the teen was found deceased but did not provide details on the cause of death.
When asked if foul play, accident, or suicide was involved, police responded that the case remains under investigation.
The lack of clear information has left many puzzled. Retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office director of investigations and News4JAX crime and safety analyst Tom Hackney expressed concern over the ambiguity.
“When you look at it, he was found on Saturday. Now we’re finding out today, according to the news release, he was found dead today,” Hackney said. “Was he alive Saturday when he was found? Was there some error on their part with that release or is this something more intentional with the ambiguity?”
Hackney noted that police responses often reveal more in what they don’t say. “When the question is asked, is there foul play involved, and there’s no answer of yes, it leads me to believe, based on my experience, that there’s something more to this story,” he added.
Typically, law enforcement will specify if a missing person is found unharmed or if a death is suspicious. In this case, Kingsland police said they will release further information as it becomes available.