Missing Teen's Body Found In New Haven Park Pond

New Haven CT

05 February, 2021

11:27 AM

Description

NEW HAVEN, CT — Police have confirmed that a missing teen's body was found last week in Edgewood Park. The victim found Saturday was Brandon Jenkins, 18, according to a police statement. He had been reported as a missing person Dec. 20. Police responded to the missing person's home where a family member had filed the report. A Silver Alert was later issued for the missing 18-year-old. The department's Special Victims Unit detectives checked with local hospitals and shelters in their search. Investigators also canvassed areas frequented by the missing man, including going door to door in Newhallville and canvassing Edgewood Park and the New Haven Green. Detectives followed tips and leads that included reviewing security camera footage for possible sightings of the missing man. A New Haven Fire Department water rescue team removed the victim on Saturday from the ice-covered duck pond at Edgewood Park. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released the identity of the victim Thursday but has not made a cause and manner of death determination. A GoFundMe has been started to raise for Brenda Cuffy, Jenkins's mother. The fundraiser's organizer, Melissa Fetera, wrote about Cuffy: "Brenda has demonstrated extraordinary resilience this past year working on the front lines during this pandemic as a COVID ICU Nurse. As one of her coworkers who has witnessed so much loss already this past year, I cannot even begin to imagine the compounding pain of having to deal with a son who is missing. "Brandon has been very active in the community. He has volunteered hundreds of hours at the various food banks around New Haven. He is an avid lover of animals. At age 14 he chose to be vegan because of his passion against the cruelty of animals. He is such a compassionate soul. His passion is helping others. You could always find him shoveling snow for his neighbors or going to the gym with his mom." The investigation is ongoing. Detectives ask anyone with information to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304. Donate to the GoFundMe by going here.