Lawrence Dowl, a 15-year-old boy, was found dead at a local cemetery in Detroit under suspicious circumstances, prompting a homicide investigation. His family reported him missing on Wednesday after he failed to return home, according to a report from FOX 2 Detroit. Dowl’s disappearance came after he was seen in a white Dodge Durango on the city’s west side, and his family noted that he left his cell phone at home, making it difficult to track his movements. Detroit and Michigan State Police began searching for the missing teenager on Thursday, with authorities confirming that Dowl’s body was discovered wearing gloves and what is believed to be a ski mask. The case is being treated as a homicide, with detectives now examining the circumstances of his death. The Detroit Police Department did not immediately comment on the situation, but authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. As the case unfolds, it has drawn attention to the rising number of missing persons cases in the region, with multiple similar incidents reported across the state of Michigan in recent months.
Family members of Dowl, including his aunt Lamisha Pullom, provided additional details about the events leading up to his disappearance. Pullom told FOX 2 that Dowl and another boy were dropped off by a driver who later allegedly left them to walk on their own. The family has not identified any suspects in the case, and it remains unclear whether the driver or someone else may be involved. Investigators are analyzing the scene for clues and are reviewing possible leads, including the possibility of foul play. While no official cause of death has been released, the discovery of Dowl’s body has raised concerns about the safety of young people in the area, particularly those who may become victims of crimes. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in locating missing persons, especially in cases where key evidence, such as a cell phone, is missing from the scene.