Three men and a 17-year-old in Prince George’s County have all been arrested and charged for the murder of a missing teenager who was last seen in D.C. back in August
It was first a missing person’s case to find 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya Ayala of D.C. and then turned into a homicide investigation after his remains were found in College Park, Maryland.
Prince George’s County police announced Saturday the arrest of three men — William Gutierrez, Alan Garcia Padilla and Jose Merlos Majano — along with a 17-year-old. All have been taken into custody and charged with the murder after an extensive investigation that included Prince George’s County police along with the FBI.
Investigators say back in November, DC police along with the FBI discovered human remains during a search of Indian Creek Stream Valley park in college park. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the remains belonged to Jefferson and that he died from multiple injuries.
Through the joint investigation, detectives determined that the 14-year-old was lured to the park and murdered on Aug. 2 and the victim knew at least one of the suspects.
Investigators say they believe the murder could be gang-related but are still working on a motive.
At least two of the suspects are in custody in D.C. and Virginia and will be transferred to Prince George’s County pending extradition.
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