The body removed from the Edgewood Park Duck Pond has been confirmed as that of Brandon Jenkins, the Edgewood 18-year-old who had been reported missing since Dec. 20.
Two people alerted police to the presence of the body in the water last Saturday after the dog they were walking went out on the ice and called their attention to it.
The Chief State Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Jenkins’ identity on Thursday, according to New Haven police spokesperson Capt. Anthony Duff.
A cause of death has not been officially determined. Thus far in the police investigation, there are no signs of foul play.
In a release, Duff referred to the police department’s search for Jenkins over the seven weeks:
“In addition to the standard missing person alert, a Silver Alert was later issued for the missing 18-year-old. NHPD officers and Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives checked with local hospitals and shelters in their search. Investigators canvassed areas frequented by the missing man. This included going door to door in the Newhallville neighborhood as well as canvassing Edgewood Park and the New Haven Green. SVU detectives followed tips and leads that included reviewing security camera footage for possible sightings of the missing man.”
What a terrible thing, to lose a young man at the beginning of his adult life. My condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.