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Body found along Merrimack River identified as missing teen

LAWRENCE, Mass. — The body found in the Merrimack River Thursday afternoon has been identified as a Lawrence teenager.

The district attorney's office confirmed it was Lee Manuel Viloria-Paulino's body, after much speculation from residents. The 16-year-old was last seen on Friday, Nov. 18 around 6 p.m.

“This is a tragic loss for his family and friends,” District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.  “We are working tirelessly to determine the person or persons responsible for Mr. Viloria-Paulino’s death.”

People who knew Lee gathered at Lawrence High School for a candlelight vigil in his memory.

“I know we were all in denial that it could be him. And now that it is. The fact that it is - there’s just no words,” his teacher Bianelys Javier said.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said that he's concerned about the spike in crime.

“Violence is associated with the use and selling of drugs, that's what we have. I am super concerned about it,” he said.

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