M.E.: Remains in Queens ID'd as Avonte Oquendo
NEW YORK - Remains found on the banks of the East River in Queens last week are those of Avonte Oquendo, an autistic New York City teenager missing since October, a spokesperson for the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office told CBS News’ Crimesider.
Julie Bolcer told Crimesider it was confirmed Tuesday that the remains are those of Avonte. She said the cause and manner of death are pending further studies.
David Perecman, a lawyer for Avonte’s family, previously said the clothing found with the remains appeared to match what the 14-year-old was wearing when he vanished after bolting from his Queens school on Oct. 4.
Avonte suffered a severe form of autism and was unable to communicate verbally, reports CBS New York.
According to the station, Avonte's mother gave investigators a DNA sample along with Avonte's toothbrush and his baby footprint to help the medical examiner determine whether the remains were a match. Perecman said last week that the family was awaiting the DNA test results before jumping to conclusions.
