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A human head has reportedly been identified as Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr. after it recently washed ashore on a Florida beach.
According to WESH, on Friday, November 15, authorities in Florida confirmed that the human head belonged to Castenda Jr. The determination was reportedly made after the conclusion of a medical examination.
Per NBC 6 South Florida, Castaneda was 19 years old and disappeared on Saturday, November 9. On that date, Castaneda was reportedly at the beach with his family and couldn’t be found after he went into the water with his younger sister.
Per the outlet, the two had reportedly become stuck in a rip current. Ultimately, Castaneda’s younger sister made it back to shore with the help of a bystander, per CNN. However, the 19-year-old did not.
As The Shade Room previously reported, the 19-year-old’s remains were discovered by a beach worker on Tuesday, November 12. At the time, it remained unclear whether the remains were that of a male or female. However, police did not initially consider the discovery to be linked to a homicide.
“At this point, were not discounting any possibility. This could be an accident or missing person, its too early to tell the circumstances,” a detective reportedly noted at the time. “We have not been able to determine exactly how the head became separated from the body, but there are a couple working theories.”
Furthermore, at the time, police had noted the disappearance of Castaneda as one of their “working theories.”
Since then, police have shared a statement, sharing their condolences to Castaneda’s family.
“The Miami Beach Police Department extends prayers and condolences to the family. Our victim advocates will continue to provide support to the family during this time,” the police department reportedly asserted per NBC 6 South Florida.
Additionally, Castaneda’s older sister, Jessica Castaneda, reportedly shared a statement after her brother’s disappearance.
My brother was the kindest person I know and hardworking,” Jessica Castaneda said. “He was an amazing student. He had so many dreams. He was gonna enlist in the Navy.”
Per CNN, the 19-year-old cause and manner of death have yet to be released.
In January, authorities in Colorado investigated the discovery of a human head. As The Shade Room previously reported, the body part was reportedly found in the freezer of a recently sold home. At the time, authorities asserted that they believed the discovery was connected to an “isolated incident.”
In October, authorities shared an update that they identified the human head. However, the investigation into the individual’s passing remained ongoing, per Fox 31 Denver.
