AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police have identified the remains found Sunday along Onion Creek as that of a 16 year old who they believe was involved with a gang. The remains of Darian Longoria were found near Bonneville Bend by a father and son out exploring with their new metal detector. The medical examiner used dental records to confirm the body as that of Longoria.

Longoria was reported as a missing runaway Dec. 9, 2015 by his mother. A Facebook page was started lat month seeking information on his whereabouts. Police believe Longoria was involved in drugs and that might have led to his death.

“Sources in this investigation tell us the people responsible for Darian’s murder believe he was involved in drug robberies. We’re following up those leads,” says APD Lt. Justin Newsome. Police hope that others in the drug theft ring, but not responsible for Longoria’s death, will come forward with what they know. “No matter what the young man was involved in, he was a 16-year-old child. His family still deserves closure and he did not deserve to die in the manner he did.”

Friends were stunned at the news as word spread at Akins High School. A longtime friend of Darian’s, Paula Contreras, said, “Everybody was in shock. I saw people crying in the classrooms. It was pretty sad to see everyone so down.” Rumors did spread that Darian had gotten involved with a gang of rough customers, but his friends found it hard to believe. Paula replied, “Not from what I saw. What I observed he didn’t seem like that, he always seemed to be going on the right path.”

There was a candlelight vigil Friday evening along Onion Creek where the body was found. Darian’s mother, Guillerma Longoria, tearfully told the crowd, “I loved him, I still love him and I know many of you love him just as much as I do. He’s going to be missed. I know for a fact, I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I know my son is in a better place.” She pleaded with anyone who knows anything about his death to please come forward to police.

Police will not reveal the manner of death nor say whether the body had been moved to the creek after his death.

Police say Longorian’s death marks the 28th homicide of 2015 in Austin.