CARROLL COUNTY, Ohio — The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the death of Jonathon Minard, a 14-year-old boy who went missing over the weekend.
Sheriff Dale Williams said Jonathon was found buried in a shallow grave at a farm in Washington Township at about 10:15 a.m. Friday. Williams said they are still conducting the investigation into Jonathon's death, and would not comment on how they were led to Jonathon, or if the death is now assumed to be a homicide.
Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Barnett said their thoughts and prayers are with the Jonathon's family during this difficult time.
"Jonathon’s discovery is just the first step in gathering evidence to answer many unanswered questions that we have that have led us to this moment," Barnett said. "Investigations like this take time, and this case is no exception."
Barnett said they are still in the early stages of the investigation, so they are unable to comment any further.
The coroner said it could be several weeks before he has any test results back to confirm the Jonathon's cause of death. His body was taken to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.
Jonathon was last seen on April 13. On Wednesday, authorities announced that there was a person of interestin the case.
The person of interest, who authorities have not named, has been questioned twice. That person agreed to take a polygraph test but later changed their mind, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Tuesday, over 100 volunteers searched a six-mile area around the Dellroy Fire House, scouring the hilly and wooded terrain for any sign of the missing boy.
Relatives said Jonathon was picked up on Friday to do some work, including milking cows, on a farm in New Harrisburg and later was taken to a family friend's home closer to Carrollton.
Investigators said the boy complained of a toothache and was left alone at the residence. After that, he vanished.
The Carrollton School District said they plan to have extra counselors available to speak to students when they return to class on Tuesday.
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