EAST POINT, GA — There is no foul play suspected in the death of a 20-year-old man who disappeared at least a month ago, East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan said Wednesday.
Buchanan was joined by East Point Mayor Keisha Chapman at a news conference as they shared an update in the death of Derek Samuel.
They released new details into Samuel's death after he disappeared on April 29.
His family reportedly rejected the department's conclusion.
The day he disappeared, Real-Time Crime Center cameras tracked Samuel from the Camp Creek Marketplace to a nearby gated apartment complex, Buchanan said.
Cameras captured Samuel walking behind a vehicle into the complex, the chief said.
Detectives knocked on every door in the neighborhood, asking residents if they recognized Samuel.
During the investigation, they tracked Samuel's cell phone, which pinged in the woods behind the complex, Buchanan said.
On May 16, the detectives spent about six hours walking about 4 miles through the woods in an effort to locate evidence that could assist them in the investigation, Buchanan said. They also utilized five cadaver dogs.
That day, they did not find anything.
RELATED: Human Remains Found In East Point Belong To Missing Man, Family Says: Report
Receiving thousands of tips, authorities scoured Aqua Waters Quarry on May 18 in Lithonia, but he was not found.
However, after a weather delay on Sunday, Buchanan said detectives returned to the apartment complex.
After a three-hour search, they located human remains. During that time, the remains were not identified, Buchanan said.
The next day, detectives went back to the woods and found additional human remains, Samuel's cell phone, a handgun and a shell casing, Buchanan said.
He added while the remains have not yet been identified as Samuel, clothing and other items led detectives to believe the remains do belong to Samuel.
Buchanan said locating Samuel, who was in the woods for about 30 days, was difficult due to the several days of rain and heat.
Chapman addressed social media rumors and asked online users to "be mindful of the family at this time."
Samuel's family released the following statement to WAGA-TV:
"We, the family of Derek Samuel, strongly disagree with the East Point Police Departments insulting view and outcome on this case. We ask for the continued prayers and support of everyone who loves, cares and stand in support of our family and Derek. Please stand with us in support as we demand justice for Derek."
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