From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The body of a missing Birmingham teenager discovered near Bayview Lake on Monday was found to have died from a gunshot wound and now authorities are investigating the case as a homicide.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the body on Tuesday as Sean Caribe Avant Jr., 18, of Birmingham. His body was discovered about 70 yards from Mulga Loop Road and down a 30-foot embankment near Bayview Lake. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:48 p.m. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office took the body from the scene for examination and identification.
The coroner’s office concluded that Avant died from a gunshot wound.
According to authorities, Avant, who is described as a 5-foot-3 black male and weighs 130 pounds, was last seen on Feb. 6, 2020, between 2 and 3 p.m.
His family reported him missing after he never returned home.
Avant had not been seen since riding in a car with a friend on Feb. 6. He was allegedly dropped off at an unknown location, Birmingham Police Sgt. Johnny Williams said.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. No suspects or arrests have been announced.