FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A missing 18-year-old from Fairfax County was found dead more than three hours away in Gloucester County, Virginia on Halloween, according to authorities.
Deputies with the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office responded to Providence Road, not far from Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery, around 4:22 p.m. Monday after a report of a dead man found in the area. Investigators determined that the victim had been killed somewhere else and his body was left at the scene.
An autopsy performed by the Tidewater Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Norfolk, Virginia, confirmed that the victim's death was a homicide.
On Wednesday, investigators located a report from Fairfax County stating that Tavon Jay McKoy was missing. The appearance of the missing man, including tattoos, closely matched those of the man found on Providence Road.
WUSA9 was able to exchange messages with McKoy's stepfather who said the family is still trying to process the tragedy. Another loved one posted on Twitter saying, "It sill doesn't feel real...my nephew."
The Fairfax County Police Department was contacted on Oct. 30 by a friend of McKoy after not hearing from him. A family member also confirmed to officers that the situation surrounding his disappearance was unusual. Police said McKoy was last seen on Elden Street in Herndon. Officers reported him as missing and endangered on Halloween.
The medical examiner positively identified McKoy on Thursday as the victim.
The homicide investigation is active and ongoing. Gloucester County Sheriff’s investigators are working closely with the Fairfax County Police Department, and several other northern Virginia criminal justice agencies to find answers to the crime.
Anyone who has information about the homicide should contact criminal investigator J.T. Holt at (804) 693-1133 or by email. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Crime Line at 888-562-5887.
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