Body Discovery Believed to be Connected to Missing Minnesota Teen Case

Maple Grove, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities say a body found in a pond could be connected to a missing person case involving a Minnesota teenager. 

See Also: 2023 Missing Person Report Linked to Body Found Near Rochester

A news release issued Thursday by the Maple Grove Police Department says officers responded to the report of suspicious activity in the area of a pond that lies just north of I-94. 

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol was called to the scene to conduct a search of the pond. The search led to the discovery of a deceased individual in the water. 

The person’s name has not been released. Law enforcement turned the body over to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the individual's identity and cause and manner of death. 

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The news release did say that investigators believe the body discovery is connected to a Maple Grove missing person case that started in March. 

18-year-old Winston Drepaul was last seen on March 23. On March 30, authorities reported recovering a jacket belonging to Drepaul in the same pond as the body discovery. 

Officials say the Maple Grove Police Department is in contact with the teeanger’s family.

"The loss of life is difficult and tragic for any family or community. As the investigation continues, further updates will be provided to the community," the law enforcement agency wrote on its Facebook page.

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