A 20-day search for a missing 16-year-old boy in Michigan concluded tragically on Friday, as authorities confirmed the discovery of Cortez McConer Jr.’s body. Found in a secluded, heavily wooded area near Rockford, the grim discovery has shaken the local community and spurred an outpouring of grief.
Chief Eric Winstrom of the Grand Rapids Police Department expressed profound condolences on behalf of the GRPD, acknowledging the widespread mourning that will follow among Cortez’s family, friends, and community members. “This is not the outcome we had hoped for,” said Chief Winstrom, emphasizing the deep impact of the loss.
Details surrounding Cortez’s disappearance remain sparse. He was last seen on November 2 near a McDonald’s in Rockford, after he and two friends fled from police officers. Although the other two teenagers were quickly located, they initially did not disclose that McConer was with them at the time they ran. The reasons behind their flight from the police have not been disclosed.
The Kent County Medical Examiner is set to perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. In the meantime, the Grand Rapids Police, along with Kent County deputies and Michigan State Police, who assisted in the search efforts, have not released further details on the investigation.
The community, while dealing with this tragedy, continues to seek answers about the circumstances that led to such a heartbreaking conclusion to the search for Cortez McConer Jr.
