Authorities in Queens are investigating the discovery of remains found next to the East River, and sources tell Eyewitness News that police have notified the family of missing autistic teenager Avonte Oquendo about the investigation.
The remains, said to be a human arm and legs, were found on a rock in the water near the College Point Yacht Club around 7 p.m. Thursday. Police responded to a 911 call in the vicinity of Powell Cove Boulevard and Endeavor Place after a 14-year-old girl stumbled across the limbs.
The sources said a pair of sneakers was also found, but it could not be confirmed if it belonged to the 14-year-old non-verbal boy who disappeared after running out of his Long Island City school 15 weeks ago Friday, on October 4.
The remains were removed to the Queens County Morgue as Harbor Patrol divers and helicopters searched the cold, dark waters for additional body parts. The tide quickly came in and the search had to be suspended, but it resumed at daybreak.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. No positive identification has been made, but police have been in contact with the Oquendo family.
The investigation is ongoing.
