Flagstaff, AZ – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of a teenaged boy found east of Ashfork, AZ.

On Friday, May 17, 2013 the Sheriff’s Office received a call of a body located on the north side of Interstate 40, just east of Ashfork. An employee of a gas company had pulled off the highway on a side road and discovered the body on the ground in a turnaround area.

Responding deputies secured the scene for investigators. Investigators found the victim had suffered trauma to his head. The victim has been identified as a 16 year old male from Ashfork. Next of kin have been notified. An autopsy was conducted today; the cause and manner of death are pending the doctor’s review.

The investigation proceeded through the weekend and continues with detectives conducting area searches, as well as conducting several interviews.

A suspect has not yet been identified.

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Media Contact: Detective Lieutenant Tim Cornelius, 928-226-5087