HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Miami-Dade police on Thursday identified a body found in a canal near Ingraham Highway and Southwest 232nd Avenue as that of a missing teenager.
Police found the body of 18-year-old Jesus Trejo late Wednesday. Earlier in the day, they found his blue Honda nearby.
"We have had such an extensive search throughout the morning and the afternoon, everything from aviation to canine units from other municipalities," said Miami-Dade police spokesman Det. Roy Rutland.
Friends said Trejo was last seen Tuesday morning at a friend's house. He told them he was headed to southwest Miami-Dade County to meet someone.
Jazmin Trejo, his sister, suspects foul play in his death. She said her brother was studying to be a mechanic.
On Thursday, she wiped away tears while clutching a photo of her brother as she spoke with Local 10's Christina Vazquez. She said she thinks someone murdered Jesus before dumping his body in the water.
The remote area where the teen was found is16 miles from his home, but it has the clear signs it's a hangout for young people. There is graffiti on light poles, rocks and the asphalt. A state water district worker said many use this public space, including bird watchers, fishermen and teenagers.
What brought Jesus to the area is under investigation. His sister says she knows he planned to meet a group of people, but couldn't say for what reason, or who they might be.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death. Homicide detectives are investigating.