Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom says there was an autopsy after the body of 16-year-old Cortez McConer was found Friday by a K9 team in a secluded, heavily wooded area south of downtown Rockford.
McConer had been missing since October 28, last seen near Courtland Drive and Kies Street when he and two friends ran from police into the woods.
Winstrom had noted McConer may have been hiding, worried he was in trouble after being a passenger in a stolen car but the chief stressed law enforcement was not interested in holding him to any criminal accountability and only wanted his safe return.
“If you’re not used to the area, there’s a lot of dense wooded areas and a lot of wetlands. It can be a dangerous place.”
McConer’s body was found less than a mile from where he was last seen.
Police say their investigation into the details surrounding his death continues.
