GEORGIA — The body of a 20-year-old East Point man who had been missing for more than a month was found Sunday in a wooded area behind an apartment complex, according to family members.
Search crews with Georgia Emergency Search & Rescue located the body of Derek Samuel behind the Reserve at Redwine Apartments following weeks of searching.
Samuel disappeared on April 29 after leaving a Target store at Camp Creek Marketplace. Family members and volunteers spent weeks searching for him while authorities investigated his disappearance.
Investigators previously reviewed surveillance video that showed Samuel did not appear distressed before he vanished. Police later traced his cellphone to an area near Redwine Road, but searches conducted there and in Lithonia failed to uncover any evidence.
Loved ones had offered a reward totaling $15,000 for information that could lead to Samuel’s safe return.
Authorities have not released details about what led to Samuel’s death. The cause and manner of death have not been determined, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
Police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest, and it remains unclear whether Samuel went to the area on his own or if foul play was involved.
The investigation remains ongoing.
