The body found February 1 in a patch of woods in Lakewood is positively identified as that of missing Lakewood teen Eliabit Mena, and his death is classified as a homicide. 

Elibit Mena (courtesy Lakewood PD)
Elibit Mena (courtesy Lakewood PD)
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Ocean County authorities today released the finding of a post-mortem examination by the county Medical Examiner, but stopped short of disclosing the cause of death.

Investigations continue, under the leadership of Detective John Murphy in the Ocean County Prosecutor's Major Crime Unit, and Lakewood Police Detective Lynn Miller. The Ocean County Sheriff's Crime Scene Investigation Unit is assisting.

The 18-year-old's mother reported him missing January 29th, the night that Mena planned to meet friends at Lake Shenandoah Park in the township. Police found his empty car in the parking lot.

A woman spotted the body on the afternoon of February 1, while she walked her dog.

Tips that would help investigators can be given confidentially to the County Prosecutor's Office, 732-929-2027, or to Lakewood Police, 732-363-0200.

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