Body of missing East Point man found after month-long search, family says

EAST POINT, Ga. - The body of a missing 20-year-old man has been recovered in a wooded area behind an East Point apartment complex following a month-long search, according to his family.

What we know:

Georgia Emergency Search & Rescue crews discovered the body of Derek Samuel in a wooded area behind the Reserve at Redwine Apartments, family members said. According to the search crew, K-9 Jager and his handler, Jim Lopez, were the first to discover Samuel's body. 

The finding follows an extensive, weeks-long effort to locate the 20-year-old, who vanished after leaving a Target store at Camp Creek Marketplace on April 29.

The wooded area where Samuel was found is near Redwine Road, around where authorities said he was last seen and where previous searches had taken place. 

Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed Samuel did not appear distressed before his disappearance when he parted ways with two friends he was with. Those friends are said to have reported him missing after not hearing from him. 

Police later traced his cellphone to an area near Redwine Road, but subsequent searches there and in Lithonia turned up no evidence.

Loved ones had been desperate for answers during the month-long search, even offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to his return.

What we don't know:

The circumstances leading to Samuel's death remain unclear. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause or manner of death as the investigation continues.

Police said it also remains unclear whether Samuel walked away from the area voluntarily or if someone may have taken him. Authorities have not named any suspects or persons of interest in connection with the disappearance.

What they're saying:

Loved ones are now faced with the devastating reality of Samuel's death and ask for privacy as they navigate the next steps. 

"Although this is not the outcome we all prayed for, unfortunately, it has now become our reality. Thank you to everyone who has prayed on our behalf, and we ask that you continue to keep us covered in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time. It's hard, y'all, we just ask for some privacy to grieve now, please," Samuel's family said. 

"It's hard because of the outcome, but I'm glad that they got closure, and now they can move forward, but this is what we do; this is our job," said Angel Alonso with Georgia Emergency Search & Rescue.

RELATED:

• East Point man disappears after leaving Target
• Reward tripled in search for missing East Point man
• $5K reward now offered after man disappears in East Point