Body of missing Macon teen found. Here’s how authorities believe that he died

A teenager who had been missing nearly three weeks was found dead Sunday in north Macon after he apparently committed suicide, authorities said.

Luis Marco Hernandez, 18, was last seen Dec. 19 and officially reported as missing Dec. 20 after Hernandez’s aunt said he left their home after they got into an argument over the house being messy, according to a news release from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies found Hernandez dead from a self-inflicted wound in a spillway in the woods at the Lake Wildwood neighborhood in north Macon. Bibb County coroner Leon Jones said he was found about a mile and a half from the road.

It was unclear in the statement how Hernandez died, or what led authorities to his body.

Deputies first thought that Hernandez fled from his house without any personal belongings, but later suspected he left with a small bag that may have contained a handgun that, according to his aunt, Hernandez carried for protection.

The release did not say whether any of Hernandez’s possessions were found at the scene.

The Telegraph will add details to this story if they become available.

This story was originally published January 8, 2024 at 9:52 AM.