DNA tests are being done to determine if human remains found in Queens are the remains of missing autistic teen Avonte Oquendo.
The remains, which, according to sources, include a human arm and leg, as well as a pair of pants and a sneaker, were found washed ashore near College Point at around 7 p.m. Thursday.
According to sources, Old Navy pants and Air Jordan sneakers, both the same size and brand that Oquendo was wearing when he went missing, were found in the area, and that a shirt similar to the shirt Oquendo was wearing when he went missing was also found in the area.
The sources say that authorities believe the body to be Oquendo, but they are waiting on the medical examiner to make an official determination.
Police officers and NYPD divers were in the waters off of College Point throughout the day Friday
The 14-year-old Oquendo vanished in October after running away from his school in Long Island City, leading to a massive search that went on for weeks.
The medical examiner is working to identify the remains and determine the cause of death.
Earlier, Oquendo’s mother was planning to go the medical examiner’s office to give a sample of DNA. Her lawyer said it was a very difficult trip to make after keeping faith for months that her son was alive.
Daniel Oquendo, Avonte’s father, texted a statement to NY1.
“We are holding up, we are still optimistic and will remain that way. Thanks for your prayers,” reads the statement.
David Perecman, a lawyer for the family, said he has spoken to Avonte’s mother and that the she is still holding out hope that these remains are not of her son.
“Her initial reaction was, ‘Until I hear more or see more, there’s been a lot of bad leads.’ She’s being a mom. Maybe I would want something more before I would accept anything as complete and I think that’s what she is doing. She is not going to be convinced this is her son until there is enough to convince her,” Perecman told reporters at the College Point scene.
Queens residents near the scene said they were feeling for the family if it turns out to be the missing teen.
“I’ll be sad for the family, you know, if it’s anything foul play involved. I know he went to school in Long Island City, there’s the water right there, and the current goes out that way, so. I just pray for the family, that’s all. It’s sad. I got two kids myself,” said one resident.
Mayor Bill de Blasio mentioned the news briefly at the end of his press conference on paid sick leave legislation on Friday afternoon.
“My heart goes out to this family,” he said.
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via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
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