LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - The medical examiner and Essex County District Attorney confirmed that the decapitated body found on the bank of the Merrimack River in Lawrence is that of a missing teen.
The body was identified as Lee Manuel Viloria-Paulino, 16, of Lawrence. He had last been seen two weeks ago.
Viloria-Paulino’s body was found Thursday by a woman walking her dog. Police said his head was found nearby. Sources tell 7News Viloria-Paulino had been stabbed multiple times and his hands were missing.
A vigil was held Friday night at Lawrence High School, where he was a sophomore.
“I hope he knows that he was loved, he was cared for by a lot of people,” said April Aguayo.
An official cause of death has yet to be determined but police said it appears foul play was involved. No arrests have been made but police said they are following some leads.
“The family is devastated. You can only imagine that this family is shattered,” said family spokesperson Linette Perez.
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