Boy, 16, found shot dead in Lawrenceville backyard

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Police say a teen was found shot to death in Lawrenceville Wednesday and the death could be related to a missing person case.

The Gwinnett County Police Department says officers were following up on a missing person case in the area of Paden Mill Trail when they found a 16-year-old boy dead.

The boy, who has not yet been identified, has been described as a Hispanic male. 

 "Officers responded to the scene and located an individual shot in the backyard," said Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle, Gwinnett County Police spokesperson.

It's unclear if the boy was shot at the home or if his body was dumped.

"Detectives were knocking on doors and speaking to other individuals that were outside but unclear if anybody witnessed the actual shooting," Cpl. Winderweedle said. "Crime scene is still processing the scene and homicide detectives are still interviewing witnesses and following up on leads."

Neighbors say they heard gunshots the night before. Neighbors also sayd no one lives in the home where the teen’s body was found. 

It is also unclear if the missing person case and homicide are connected. Detectives say the plan to follow up with missing persons. The gang unit was also called to the scene to assist, but FOX 5 has not confirmed if the crime is gang-related.

This marks the third missing Hispanic teen found dead in the county in the last month. Last month, the Hispanic United Alliance held a protest calling for better policing in Hispanic communities. 

Protestors believe 16-year-old Susanna Morales' missing persons case and the death of 17-year-old Rodrigo Mayan Floriano were mishandled by police.

In response to growing criticism, the Gwinnett County Police Department said: "As a department, we are committed to serving our community through the delivery of professional law enforcement services in an unbiased and compassionate manner."

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Gwinnett County Police Department.