The King County Sheriff's office said that the body of 16 year old Juan Carlos Guzman, a student at Mt. Rainier High School in Des Moines was pulled from the Green River on Tuesday. The death is being investigated as a homicide.
The King County Sheriff's office said they have identified the body pulled from the Green River earlier this week as Mt. Rainier High School student Juan Carlos Guzman.
They stated that his body was found Tuesday along Auburn Black Diamond Road near Big Soos Creek and that the death is being investigated as a homocide. The Sheriff’s Office said two fishermen visiting the Green River in Auburn were walking by and noticed a body.
The cause of death was from multiple injuries.King County Public Information Officer Sgt. Ryan Abbott said Juan Carlos’ father had filed a missing child report before his body was discovered.
The King County Sheriff’s Office is is seeking information from the public that might help lead to an arrest. Detectives asked people to contact them if they saw anything suspicious on or near Green Valley Road on Monday or Tuesday. Investigators encouraged people to call them at 206-296-3311.
A GoFundMe account to help cover funeral arrangements has been established. On it his father wrote
"Please help support the funeral expenses for Juan Carlos Con Guzman, who unfortunately has left us. On September 10th Juan left our house around 2:00 a.m. with out notice and we did not notice he was gone until the morning when I saw that the door was open. I then went to the police department and did a missing report. Unfortunately they found his body at the Green River in Auburn on Tuesday around noon. I identified my son on Thursday September 12th. My son was a very loved young man by his family, his school peers, and every one that knew him. He was a great son, a great friend to others and was on the right pathway to graduate from High School. I would really appreciate your support in this difficult time! "
The Highline School District, released this statement on Guzman and his death:
"We are deeply saddened by the death of our student, Juan Carlos Con Guzman. Our hearts break for his family and all those who cared about Juan Carlos, including our staff members who taught and supported him.
"Juan Carlos is described by his principal as well-known and well-liked by staff and students at Mount Rainier High School. The school community is grieving his loss. Our care team is on campus to support students and staff."
