Jeremy Sanchez Murder: Family, Friends Remember Student Athlete

EL MONTE, CA —Within 24 hours South El Monte High School student Jeremy Sanchez went missing, was found murdered and a friend arrested on suspicion of committing the heinous act.

"Early Thursday morning, investigators received information that a friend of the victim may have been involved in his death," a sheriff's statement said. "Investigators served a search warrant at the subject's home and arrested him for the murder of the victim."

The 16-year-old suspect, whose name was withheld, was booked on suspicion of murder and was being held at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Detention Center, the sheriff's department reported. The murder weapon has not been recovered, according to the Sheriff's Department.

According to Sheriff's Lt. John Corina, Sanchez was reported missing Wednesday evening after his father learned that he had not attended school that day. Sanchez's body was discovered by friends at approximately 5 p.m. after a search along the river in the area of Parkway Drive and Thienes Avenue in Avocado Heights. Investigators said that the boy was reportedly found face down, fully clothed, off the bike-path in the bushes.

Corina said the victim's father found the boy before authorities did. As of this report it is unclear if the suspect assisted in locating the body. As of this report, it is unclear how the young man died, however reports are that he was stabbed.

Extra counselors were on hand at the El Monte High School campus Thursday for grief counseling. Friends of Sanchez have established a GoFundMe page in his memory, to raise money for funeral expenses.

"Jeremy Sanchez was a loving young man who was out going and full of energy," Briana Amigon said on the page. According to the post, Sanchez played both on the El Monte High School varsity football team and wrestling team.

"We have no words to describe the grief that their family is experiencing right now, and many friends and family have asked how they can help at this difficult time," Amigon said.

Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (310) 890-5500

This is a developing report. Please refresh this page for the most up to date information.

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