West Hartford Teen's Death Ruled Homicide In West Virginia

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The death of a West Hartford teen who died while visiting family members in northern West Virginia has been ruled a homicide, according to the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office in that region.

A coroner's report on Jonathon Benjamin Adams' cause of death was released midday Tuesday.

The sheriff's office released the following statement:

"Although Johnathan’s body was recovered on Saturday July 18, 2020, the investigation remains very active The outcome of this investigation is obviously not what any of us had hoped for Johnny and his family and we ask our community and surrounding communities to continue to keep Johnny’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We want to thank Johnny’s family for their patience, accommodations and cooperation they extended to us throughout this investigation.

"This investigation was difficult and complicated for various reasons that will not be released at this time, due to the on-going investigation, but we are confident this was an isolated incident.

"An autopsy has been performed on Johnny and the cause of death has been ruled a homicide, however no further information pertaining to this report will be released at this time."

The search for Adams ended Saturday when his body was discovered in a "shallow grave" in West Virginia. He had been visiting family in Hampshire County and had been missing for about a week. His remains were located in a heavily wooded area, near the location from which he was reported missing.

A 16-year-old relative has been arrested and charged with burglary, authorities said. Investigators added they have developed a suspect in the death of Adams. More information will be released as it becomes available, police added.

Last week, it was announced that the family was offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads them to his whereabouts.

Adams graduated this year from King Philip Middle School in West Hartford. He has participated in the West Hartford youth baseball and basketball programs.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help raise finds for the family and the investigation.