EPO reported that he responded to USCG station Castle Hill regarding 3 juveniles that took several inflatable boats out on 8/27/12 who were not given permission to use the boats; one of the juveniles was reported as missing the following day.  USCG stated they received a call at approximately 08:30pm on 8/28/12 from victim's grandmother and legal guardian. On 9/30/12 body had been located floating in the area of the Newport Bridge.  EPO responded to Newport PD and spoke briefly with Det. who stated that an autopsy was planned for 9/4/12. Det. said that there were no obvious signs of trauma on body.  The medical examiner found no obvious blunt trauma or external injuries on body with the exception of a minor laceration on his right ring finger and possible minor bruise on his head. While the examining doctor could not make an official determination until toxicology reports were complete, she indicated that cause of death appeared to be drowning. Det. conducted follow-up interviews with the other teens involved and said that there were no signs of foul play.  The circumstances of how victim ended up in the water is unknown.  The most obvious theories are he either fell overboard or attempted to swim to shore.  It was confirmed by witnesses that victim was drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana on the night he went missing. The medical examiner's toxicology report concluded that victim did have cocaine and ethanol in his blood, however, the cause of death was drowning.  The boat was found upright drifting the following day at the Navel Base at Coaster Harbor.
NEWPORT                       