Durham police say 2023 homicide victim was a teenage boy and release photo of knife

Investigators have identified a teenage boy found dead in the woods last October, the Durham Police Department announced Friday.

According to a news release, the 17-year-old was the victim of a homicide.

Police have not released his name but say his body was found in the 200 block of East End Avenue around 8 a.m. Oct. 6, 2023. The victim originally could not be identified but police described him as a slim Black male believed to be between 5 feet, 2 inches and 5 feet, 4 inches tall.

In the original news release sent out last year, investigators described a “unique-looking” green folding knife found with the victim. The pocket knife had what appears to be a U.S. Army Rangers emblem, according to a photo shared by the Police Department.

The investigation into the teen’s death is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator C. Bernock at 919-560-4440 ext. 29414. CrimeStoppers tips can also be submitted online or by calling 919-683-1200.