Prince George’s County, Md. — Heartbreak and concern are spreading through College Park and Washington, D.C., after authorities confirmed that human remains found earlier this month in Indian Creek Stream Valley Park belong to 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya-Ayala. The young teen from Washington, D.C., had been reported missing, and the discovery has now led to a full homicide investigation.
According to Prince George’s County Homicide detectives, the remains were found on November 3, 2025, during a coordinated missing persons search involving the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Cross Border Taskforce. The search teams were combing through the wooded area of Indian Creek Stream Valley Park when they made the tragic discovery. Soon after, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Jefferson’s death a homicide, prompting detectives to launch an intensive investigation to uncover what happened and who was responsible.
Authorities say the priority now is determining a suspect, a motive, and the timeline leading up to Jefferson’s death. Detectives are interviewing individuals connected to the case, reviewing possible evidence from the park, and working with federal partners to gather additional information. Despite the progress made since the discovery, investigators say there is still much they need from the public to help build a clear understanding of how the teen ended up in the park and who may have been involved.
For Jefferson’s family, the official identification brings a devastating end to the search for their young loved one. What began as hope for answers has become a painful grieving process as they try to come to terms with the loss of a 14-year-old whose life had only just begun. Community members in both Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C., have expressed deep sadness and concern, urging one another to remain vigilant and supportive during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, Prince George’s County Police are urging anyone with information—no matter how small it may seem—to come forward. Tips from the public could play a critical role in solving the case and bringing justice for Jefferson. Anyone with details is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, online, or via the P3 Tips app. When reporting, please refer to case #25-0061413.
Authorities remain committed to finding answers, and the community’s hope is that justice will be served for a young life taken far too soon.
