EAST POINT, Ga. - The East Point Police Department announced Wednesday morning that authorities do not suspect foul play in the death of 20-year-old Derek Samuel after recovering remains believed to be his in a wooded area.
The discovery follows a weeks-long search for the man, who vanished on April 29 after leaving a retail store.
What we know:
The East Point Police Department stated during a news conference Wednesday morning that no foul play is suspected in the death of 20-year-old Derek Samuel. His body was found in a wooded area a month after he was reported missing.
Police Chief Shawn Buchanan explained that while the remains found in the woods near the Reserve at Redwine Apartments have not been positively identified yet, authorities strongly believe they belong to Samuel. Samuel was reported missing on April 30 after last being seen on April 29.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that showed Samuel walking from the Target at Camp Creek Marketplace on April 29.
He walked across the street to the Reserve apartments and entered the property behind a vehicle as it went through the gate, according to Buchanan.
Police strongly suspect the remains belong to Samuel based on clothing and additional items found alongside them.
Dig deeper:
East Point detectives and Georgia Emergency Search and Rescue crews initially recovered the remains through a collaborative effort on Sunday, according to an East Point police lieutenant who worked the case.
Crews faced some delays due to weather conditions on Sunday, but they recovered some human remains after about three hours of searching.
During an additional search in the area on Monday, authorities recovered more remains along with Samuel's cell phone, a handgun and a single shell casing.
Samuel's family also told FOX 5 that the rescue crews recovered his body on Sunday in the wooded area behind the Reserve at Redwine Apartments.
Given the evidence at this time, Buchanan said police do not suspect foul play.
Officials noted the discovery came after multiple searches in the same area off of Redwine Road and a lake in Lithonia.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed Samuel did not appear distressed when he parted ways with two friends, who later reported him missing after they did not hear from him.
Police later traced Samuel's cellphone to an area near Redwine Road, though early search efforts in that area and in Lithonia initially turned up no evidence.
Buchanan said that weather conditions and dense vegetation in the area where the remains were found contributed to the delay in finding them.
Even though Samuel was reported missing on April 30, Buchanan explained that conflicting reports from individuals saying they had seen him and been with him in mid-May, as well as delays with cell phone records, caused the delay in finding him.
The police department had previously searched the exact same area where the body was found.
Buchanan clarified that the agency did not delay its actions, noting that officers immediately went door to door in the apartment complex and previously searched those woods without cadaver dogs. Once police received the triangulation for the cell phone, crews searched the entire area and walked four miles in the woods.
What they're saying:
Chief Buchanan addressed the public discussion surrounding the case, stating, "I know there have been thousands of rumors and speculations on social media, but we have facts that are not known to social media. And based on our facts, we do now at this point suspect any foul play." He added, "I just think based on where he was located, he was very difficult to find. I'm not going to go into details about the remains, but it was very difficult to locate who we believe to be Mr. Samuel."
Samuel's family has expressed sharp disagreement with the outcome of the police investigation.
In a statement delivered to FOX 5, the family said: "We, the family of Derek Samuel, strongly disagree with the East Point Police Departments insulting view and outcome on this case. We ask for the continued prayers and support of everyone who loves, cares and stand in support of our family and Derek. Please stand with us in support as we demand justice for Derek."
What we don't know:
Authorities have not yet confirmed the official cause or manner of death for the recovered remains. It also remains unknown who the individuals were that provided the conflicting reports claiming to be with Samuel in mid-May. Additionally, medical examiners have not provided a definitive timeline for when the positive scientific identification of the remains will be complete.
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The Source: The information in this story was gathered from East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan and an agency lieutenant during a Wednesday morning news conference, as well as an official statement provided to FOX 5 by the family of Derek Samuel. Additional information comes from prior FOX 5 reporting.