Body Of Teen Who Went Missing In September Found

The body of a Maryland teen who went missing in September was found in a wooded area on Nov. 15 after weeks of searching, authorities announced Monday.

Seventeen-year-old Rosa Diaz-Santos was last seen on Sept. 22 leaving Franklin Park and headed toward Eleanor Roosevelt High School shortly before 8:00 a.m., according to police.

MISSING JUVENILE: The Greenbelt Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Unit is currently investigating a missing juvenile identified as 17-year-old Rosa Maria Diaz-Santos, last seen on 09/22/2022. If you see her, please call GPD AT 301-474-7200. pic.twitter.com/TKpBUIwFLa

— Greenbelt Police (@greenbeltpolice) October 11, 2022

The Prince George’s County Police Department was notified on Nov. 15 around 12:30 p.m. that skeletal remains were found “in a wooded area.”

UPDATE: PGPD Homicide Unit detectives are working to identify and arrest the suspect(s) who killed Rosa Maria Diaz-Santos in Takoma Park. https://t.co/IJorVXazJA

— Greenbelt Police (@greenbeltpolice) November 21, 2022

An autopsy found the cause of death was homicide, and authorities have now launched an investigation to identify a suspect or suspects in the case.

Dr. Portia Barnes, the principal at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, sent a letter to families Monday, according to Fox 5. (RELATED: REPORT: Police Arrest Ohio Homeowner After Finding Body Wrapped In Plastic)

“It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Rosa Santos-Diaz, a ninth grade student at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. For those of you who knew Rosa, we ask that you remember and celebrate her life. For those of you who did not know Rosa, we ask that you respect our sadness and support us with your understanding,” she wrote.

“It is very difficult for all of us to face the death of a young person,” the letter reportedly continued.