UPDATE: November 22, 2024— Grand Rapids Police Department is saddened to notify our community that Cortez McConer’s body was located in a secluded and heavily wooded area near Rockford this afternoon. The investigation by our law enforcement partners into the details surrounding his death will continue and an autopsy by the Kent County Medical Examiner will be performed.
Cortez McConer Jr., aged 16, went missing from his Grand Rapids home on October 26.
According to a flyer circulating on social media, the youth was last seen that night at 11:30 p.m. On November 18, Grand Rapids Police department confirmed that the last location the youth was seen was west of Courtland Drive NE and Kies St NE in Rockford, Mich., when he and two friends fled from police near the McDonald’s on E. Division. The friends were located shortly after the stop and did not initially confirm that Cortez was with them.
Since the teen’s disappearance, the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) pursued multiple leads and collaborated closely with Cortez’s family and various law enforcement agencies, including the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police. Extensive search efforts were launched in the area where Cortez was last seen, utilizing K9 units, drones, and a helicopter to cover dense wooded regions and gradually expand the search perimeter. Additionally, many volunteers joined the efforts to locate him.
On the Facebook page of Marie McConer, a $4000 reward was offered “for any information that brings him (Cortez McConer Jr.) home safe,” the post read. “Cortez is NOT HOME SAFE! We’re out here looking all over. Please continue in the efforts in finding our baby! It takes a village. We appreciate all the help.I will share with the entire community when my baby is home I PROMISE. Until then please please stop saying he’s home it stops the help from assisting in keeping an eye out for him.”
Another post from Sunday, Nov. 3 reads: “I have strong faith that he’s out here somewhere, l just need a continued community support in finding him. Parents please talk to your children ask if they know of ANYTHING about Cortez, friends and family let’s keep posters in our vehicles and our feet on the pavement, community members just keep an eye out, I’ll take all leads. We got what I call a victory yesterday getting law enforcement involved but today the victory needs to be Cortez (my baby) coming home! I love you son, please send a message to me that you’re okay if you’re out here able! Thank you EVERYONE!”
On November 19, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team intensified their efforts in Rockford, conducting a focused search that lasted multiple days. They canvassed an area bordered by 10 Mile Road to the north, Northland Drive to the west, Belding Road to the south, and Blakely Drive to the east.
“This is not the outcome we had hoped for,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “On behalf of GRPD, we send our heartfelt condolences to Cortez’s family and friends and the many in our community who will be grieving alongside them.”
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