Michael Anthony Cole Jr: Missing 16-year-old Alabama student found dead as two teens arrested for murder
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA: On the night of Monday, January 29, two teenagers were arrested and faced charges of murder following the discovery of the body of a Montgomery teenager.
According to the Montgomery Police Department, 16-year-old Michael Anthony Cole Jr was reported missing after he was last seen leaving the Ridgecrest area on Thursday, January 25, as per ABC News.
Who is accused of Michael Cole's murder?
Michael Anthony Cole Jr, the student, was declared deceased on Monday night after being discovered along the Selma Highway in Montgomery.
Court records, as reported by AL news, indicate that the suspects, 18-year-olds Nedvin Maynard Jones Jr and Nicholas Treyvon King-Sheppard, are facing charges of felony murder.
On Monday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued an emergency alert for the 16-year-old who had been missing since January 25. However, the Police canceled the alert on Tuesday, January 30.
During a press conference, officials revealed that they had located the body of the missing teen and subsequently made two arrests in connection to the case.
Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Dr Melvin Brown has addressed the public since the tragic news was announced.
He said, "Our hearts go out to Michael’s family and all of the families that have dealt with gun violence and tragedies. Now, more than ever, our youth are facing challenges presented by society that require the community to rally together for continuous support."
"We also need to have a very serious examination of the incredibly easy access that we have allowed to firearms," he continued.
"We must have an open dialogue with our youth that explains the realities of violence.
Our children deserve all of the opportunities life will afford them, and we, as a community, must be present to ensure our children reach their highest potentials.”
Police continue the investigation
Officials provided details on how the police have handled the case. The department's chief stated that from the initial phone call regarding Michael Anthony Cole Jr, the police have been actively investigating the matter since that moment.
In the search for Cole, the police conducted searches in a body of water and utilized drones as part of their efforts.
However, as per The US Sun, the police have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing of Michael Anthony Cole Jr. Additionally, the police department has not shared the cause of death.
