Three men and a 17-year-old in Prince George’s County have been arrested and charged with the murder of a missing teenager who was last seen in D.C. in August.
The search for 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya Ayala of D.C. began as a missing person’s case and then evolved into a homicide inquiry after his remains were discovered near College Park, Maryland.
On Saturday, Prince George’s County police arrested three males—William Gutierrez, Alan Garcia Padilla, and Jose Merlos Majano — as well as a 17-year-old. Following an exhaustive investigation by Prince George’s County police and the FBI, all were arrested and charged with murder.
Investigators said that in November, DC police and the FBI uncovered human remains during a search of Indian Creek Stream Valley Park in College Park. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains belonged to Jefferson, who died as a result of several injuries.
The joint investigation revealed that the 14-year-old was lured to the park and murdered on August 2, and that the victim knew at least one of the suspects.
Investigators said they believe the murder was gang-related, but they are still looking for a motive.
At least two of the suspects are in arrest in D.C. and Virginia, and they will be brought to Prince George’s County pending extradition.
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