Detroit Teen Found Dead in Cemetery Wearing Ski Mask, Gloves.

DETROIT — The tragic disappearance of 15-year-old Lawrence Dowl came to a heartbreaking end this Thursday, August 14, when his body was discovered at Mt. Hazel Cemetery on Detroit’s west side. Dowl, who had been reported missing less than 48 hours earlier, was found wearing gloves and a ski mask, circumstances that have led Detroit Police to treat the case as a homicide.

A cemetery visitor made the grisly discovery and immediately contacted authorities. Officers from the 8th Precinct arrived at the cemetery near Lahser and Clarita Streets, where they identified the deceased youth and began their investigation.

According to family statements, Lawrence was last seen Tuesday night, August 12, on the 19900 block of Salem, getting into a white Dodge Durango with a companion — a friend reportedly in his early twenties. Lawrence left his cell phone at home, leaving family and investigators unable to track his whereabouts. “We were told by a friend, or supposed to be a friend, that they dropped him and another boy off in this area and they took off walking,” explained his aunt, Lamisha Pullom.

Lawrence’s family quickly raised the alarm the next day when he failed to return home, prompting a search involving relatives, community members, Detroit Police, and Michigan State Police. The devastating news shattered hopes for his safe return. His older sister, Nikiya Coles, described the loss as “devastating, unreal… this is my everyday person. This is my little brother. I raised him, too. I’m his second mama”.

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The investigation is in its early stages. Detroit Police Homicide Division Captain Marcus Thirlkill said, “We are very early in the investigation into this matter but at this time we are investigating this case as a homicide.” The Wayne County Medical Examiner is working to determine the precise cause of death.

As authorities review video footage, search for witnesses, and canvas neighborhoods for leads, the community mourns the tragic loss of another young life and calls for answers. “That should really shock us, and we should really want to do more,” urged Toson Knight, executive director of a local mentoring non-profit.

Detroit Police urge anyone with information about Lawrence Dowl’s disappearance or death to contact detectives as they continue their pursuit of justice in this disturbing case.