Police Identify Body of Teenage Boy Found in Desert in Texas

By Bowen Xiao
November 14, 2017 3:43 pm Last Updated: November 14, 2017 3:43 pm
(Nick Starichenko/Shutterstock)

The body of a boy that was found by police in a desert area last week in Far East El Paso, Texas, has now been identified.

A Hashtag #RiseForDevin showed images and video of balloons being released in Devin’s honor on the morning of Monday, Nov. 13.

Before the discovery, a teenage boy was reported missing by his parents, spurring authorities to start the search.

Officials from the Socorro Independent School District placed Pebble Hill High School on lockdown last Thursday after getting word about Devin Kelley missing, Fox affiliate KFOX14 reported.

Kelley left his home with a weapon, prompting his parents to tell school officials that they needed additional help looking for their son.

🙏🏾💙#risefordevin

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On Friday the search continued. However, authorities did not confirm any sightings.

According to a GoFundMe account set up for the family, Kelly was found dead on Friday, Nov. 10, by his father and uncle.

El Paso Police also confirmed on Monday that the body was found in a desert area down the street from Pebble Hill High School, KFOX14 reported.

Police said Kelly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to the GoFundMe page, Kelly’s apparent suicide was spurred by bullying. An unnamed friend of the teen told KFOX14 that the teen was part of a band at Pebble Hills High School. She described the boy as outgoing and funny, adding that he talks to everyone in the band.

“This is a tragic event when a child who is bullied to the point he feels like there is nowhere else to turn. He was so happy and beautiful but on the inside, he was screaming help me,” the page said.

In this case, the district could not comment on the exact details surrounding the death, since it was deemed a private matter KFOX14 reports.

However, the district did say they encourage bullying to be reported on their website.

Marivel Macias, the assistant superintendent, said the page is used by people daily.

“David’s Law, what it does, it provides Texas public schools the authority to address cyberbullying that occurs outside of school grounds,” Macias said, according to KFOX14.

The district’s Director of Guidance and Counseling, Tammi Mackeben, told KFOX14 that her parents play an important role when communicating with children.

“Teenage life is very difficult. It is a difficult time, it’s a scary time, it’s a confusing time, but there’s adults out there that want to talk and want to help you,” Mackeben said.

#risefordevin 💙

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The district also said that students who are found guilty of cyberbullying could face consequences, depending on the severity of the bullying and their age. Students can also face consequences for making fun of someone who has already committed suicide.

From NTD.tv