The search for 15-year-old Lawrence Dowl ended in heartbreak Thursday when his body was found in Mt. Hazel Cemetery, just two days after he was last seen.
According to Detroit police, a cemetery visitor discovered the teen’s body and alerted authorities. Lawrence was wearing gloves and a ski mask at the time, leading investigators to classify the case as a homicide.
“We are very early in the investigation into this matter, but at this time we are investigating this case as a homicide,” said Captain Marcus Thirlkill of Detroit’s homicide division.
Family members say Lawrence was last seen Tuesday getting into a white Dodge Durango in his neighborhood. He had left his phone at home, making him untraceable. A friend reportedly told the family that Lawrence and another boy were dropped off near the location where his body was later discovered.
He was reported missing on Wednesday, prompting a search by both the Detroit Police Department and Michigan State Police.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to piece together the events between Lawrence’s disappearance and his death.
Loved ones, friends, and community members are now mourning the loss of a young life, while police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
