Authorities say the body of 15-year-old Thomas Medlin was recovered off Red Hook, months after he was last seen on the Manhattan Bridge in January.
Brooklyn, NY – The body of a missing Long Island teenager has been recovered from the water off Red Hook in Brooklyn, bringing a tragic end to a months-long search.
Authorities confirmed Thursday that the body of Thomas Medlin, 15, of St. James, was recovered from the water on March 7. Officials said his identity was confirmed this week.
Key Points
• The body of missing St. James teen Thomas Medlin was recovered March 7 off Red Hook in Brooklyn
• Investigators say his last known location was the Manhattan Bridge pedestrian walkway on January 9
• Authorities say there is currently no indication of criminal activity
Last known movements traced to Manhattan Bridge
Detectives determined that Medlin’s last known location was on the pedestrian walkway of the Manhattan Bridge at about 7:06 p.m. on January 9.
Investigators said the last activity recorded on his cell phone occurred at 7:09 p.m. A nearby surveillance camera then captured what appeared to be a splash in the water at approximately 7:10 p.m.
Authorities said Medlin was never seen leaving the bridge through any of the exits.
Extensive investigation conducted
Police said detectives conducted a large-scale investigation that included video canvassing and a review of digital evidence.
Subpoenas and search warrants were used to examine multiple social media and online gaming profiles connected to Medlin, along with forensic analysis of electronic devices associated with him.
Investigators determined that none of the platforms reviewed were connected to his disappearance.
Teen vanished after leaving school
Medlin was first reported missing after leaving the Stony Brook School on the afternoon of January 9.
Authorities said he ran to the Stony Brook train station around 3:30 p.m. and was later seen at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan around 5:30 p.m.
Officials said detectives remain in communication with Medlin’s family and continue working with law enforcement partners as the investigation moves forward.