Medical examiner: NY remains are Avonte Oquendo

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York City medical examiner’s office says that human remains found along the East River are those of an autistic teen missing for three months.

The office said Tuesday that DNA tests confirm the remains found Thursday are those of 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo. He was last seen walking out of his school on Oct. 4. His disappearance prompted a search that included hundreds of police and volunteers.

The medical examiner says the cause and manner of death are pending further study.

A teenage girl shooting photos in a Queens park noticed a left arm, leading to the discovery of legs and lower torso. A part of a skull was also later recovered.

Authorities made the identification through DNA given by his family.

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