The body of a 19-year-old man who had been missing since before Christmas was found late Friday, and his death is being treated as a homicide, Arlington police announced Saturday.

Evan Lacey’s family reported him missing Dec. 19. His vehicle was found a few days later in Fort Worth “under suspicious circumstances,” Fort Worth police said at the time.

Evan Lacey (Arlington Police Department)

Utility workers discovered a body around 11:45 p.m. in a wooded area in the 7100 block of Webb Ferrell Road, Arlington police said in a news release.

The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office identified the body as Lacey’s around noon Saturday. No cause of death has been determined, but investigators believe foul play was involved, police said.

Because Lacey was a resident of Arlington, that city’s police force has taken the lead in the investigation into his death, Police Chief Will Johnson said.

“This is now a homicide investigation,” he tweeted.

Lacey’s family released a statement Saturday:

“It is with much sorrow and heavy hearts that the Lacey family has learned that God has called His and our angel, Evan, to be with him,” the statement read. “We greatly appreciate all of the prayers and support that family, community, teachers and all others have provided to our family during this difficult time.”

Anyone with information should contact Detective Richard Coleman at 817-459-5373. Crime Stoppers also accepts anonymous tips at 817-469-8477.