Georgia police officer arrested for allegedly concealing death of missing 16-year-old girl
Susana Morales’ remains were found near a highway in eastern Gwinnett Count on 6 February
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A police officer in Atlanta has been charged with concealing the death of a teen who went missing last summer.
Former Doraville officer Miles Bryant, 22, is facing one count of falsely reporting a crime and concealing the death of 16-year-old Susana Morales. The Gwinnett County Police Department said in a statement to The Independent that detectives found enough probable cause to make the arrest on Monday but noted that the investigation is still ongoing.
Susana’s remains were found near a highway in eastern Gwinnett County on 6 February. She had been missing since 26 July, while on her way home in the city of Norcross.
Mr Bryant has since been fired from the Doraville Police Department and is being held at the Gwinnett Detention Center without bond. Doraville police said they’re actively cooperating with Gwinnett County investigators.
“Our prayers rest with the family and friends of Susana Morales and everyone else affected by this tragedy,” the department said in a statement.
It is unclear in what way Mr Bryant is linked to the teen’s death.
The Gwinnett County Police Department said that they continue to investigate Susana’s manner and cause of death.
She texted her mother that she was on her way home shortly before going missing last summer.
Footage retrieved by investigators showed her walking in the direction of her home but it is believed she may have gotten inside a vehicle.
Her phone also pinged from Windscape Village Lane to her home near Singleton Road in Norcross.
Susana’s remains were found after a passerby saw the body in the woods and alerted police. The remains were positively identified on 8 February.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to call detectives at 770- 513-5300 or submit anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta website.