After the remains found in Queens were confirmed to be that of Avonte, the lawyer representing the family said that he will file a lawsuit against the city of New York on the family’s behalf.
Attorney David Perecman said he will file the legal claim on behalf of the family.
He said Avonte’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine, is inconsolable.
The family first said in October that it would sue the city over claims he was not supervised properly.
Avonte vanished on October 4 after leaving the Center Boulevard School in Long Island City, Queens.
The autistic teen, who was unable to communicate through speaking, was the subject of massive search effort.
Avonte’s remains were not intact when they were discovered on the banks of the East River over the span of a few days.
A teenage girl shooting photos in a Queens park noticed a left arm, leading to the discovery of legs and lower torso.
A part of a skull was also later recovered.
Authorities said at the time that clothing consistent with what Avonte was wearing when he went missing was also found.
The medical examiner said on Tuesday that the cause and manner of death are pending further study.
