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The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the apparent homicide of a 17-year-old, according to WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley.

Haley said that Sunday morning, Patrol Deputy Mitchell NeSmith responded to a complaint in the Varnado area from a mother who stated she discovered her son was missing when she woke up. A little over an hour later, NeSmith and Patrol Sgt. Charlie Easterling responded to an area off of Military Road to investigate a report that a citizen had discovered a body near a pond there, Haley said. NeSmith observed the body and called in detectives.

Haley said that Det. Capt. Tom Anderson responded to the scene and observed the body of a young man who was tentatively identified as JaQuarius Taylor, 17, the person who had been reported missing. Positive identification is pending the autopsy report, Haley said. Other detectives were called in to assist and the investigation is ongoing.

“So sad, so sad. I ask all of our parish residents to keep this family in your prayers as they cope with the loss of their loved one,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Meanwhile, our detective division is devoting all resources to this investigation. I urge anyone with information about this crime to contact our detective division at 985-839-3434.”