A police officer has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and death of 16-year-old Susana Morales, who was reported missing by her family last year. After six months of no leads, the Morales family is finally getting closer to finding out how the tragic crime unfolded.
Keep reading for more on this story.
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Reported Missing
On July 26, 2022, Susan Morales was reported missing by her family. She was last seen walking down the direction of her home along Singleton road in Gwinnett County.
Walking Home Alone
Morales was walking home from a friend’s house at around 9:40 p.m. She texted her mom that she was on her way home, but she never made it there.
Tracking Her Phone
Video footage confirmed that Morales was walking home between 10:07 p.m. and 10:21 p.m. Her mobile phone was last pinged at 10:26 p.m. before it was turned off or ran out of battery.
Remains Have Been Found
On February 6, 2023, over six months after the reported disappearance, Susana’s remains have been found near a highway in eastern Gwinett County.
A Passerby Saw The Body
Reports say that a passerby called in a suspicious sighting, which looked like human remains in the woods. Medical examiners confirmed that the DNA was a positive match for Morales.
The Suspect Is A Police Officer
Miles Bryant, a 22-year-old former Doraville police officer, was arrested on Monday.
Charges Have Been Made
He has been charged with concealing the death of the teenager and also filing a false police report. According to a warrant application, he is also suspected of committing rape and murder.
He Lived Near The Area
Bryant lived in an apartment complex on Windscape Lane, close to Norcross, where Morales lived, and was headed to on the night she disappeared.
False Report
On July 27, 2022, a day after Morales was reported missing, Bryant made a false report, claiming that his car had been stolen, along with his gun.
Doraville Statement
Following Bryant’s arrest, the city of Doraville made a statement, saying that the suspect was no longer employed with them and they are fully cooperating in the investigation.
Susana’s Sister Speaks Out
In an interview with WSB-TV, the victim’s sister, Jasmine Morales, spoke about the recent update on the case. Her family received a call about Bryant’s arrest just hours after Susana’s remains were laid to rest.
Shocked About What Happened
“I was shocked. I had to process it for a second. I was just like what? That explains why it took so long for us to have an answer,” the deceased’s told the outlet . “It’s a police officer. I’m guessing they know how to cover their tracks.”
They Didn’t Know Each Other
The Morales family believes that Susana didn’t know the suspect and that it was a stranger-on-stranger crime.
No Relationship
Officer Hideshi Valle of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office says they also believe that there was no relationship between the suspect and the victim. “At this time there, is no relationship believed to be between Mr. Miles and Susana,” Valle said.
Cause Of Death
The cause of death is yet to be determined by the medical examiner’s office. The Gwinnett Police Department is committed to getting all the facts and information to get justice for the slain teen.
Neighbors Of The Suspect Are Shocked
Residents in Bryant’s apartment complex, where he lived with his girlfriend, were shocked to learn about the police officer’s arrest.
He Moonlighted As Security
One neighbor shared in an interview that Bryant moonlighted as security in their apartment complex and has introduced himself as a police officer.
Grieving Their Loss
The Morales family is still grieving the loss of their beloved Susana. While details have come to light, there are still more questions to be answered. “Now we know. We know something. We are just hoping everything will come to light soon. We will finally have the closure and justice that she deserves,” Jasmine Morales said.
Anonymous Tips Are Welcome
Bryant is currently being held at the Gwinnett Detention Center without bond while the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone who knows information related to the case to submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers or to contact the Gwinnett police department.
