Search for missing teen turns into homicide investigation

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. — The case of a missing Georgia teenager is now being investigated as a homicide.

LaTania Carwell, 16, has been missing since April. 

Her mother and stepfather are in jail.

Carwell's mother, LaTanya Tripp, told police her daughter left with her stepfather, Leon Tripp, on April 17.

DeKalb County police arrested him in May.

Investigators said they interviewed a person connected to the case last week, who provided information that led them to believe Carwell is dead.

The Richmond County sheriff said investigators are looking for what could be the most important evidence.

"We have not yet located the particular area in which we feel the remains are because the remains and the crime scene might be two different places. Right now, we're just trying to recover the remains," Sheriff Richard Roundtree said.

Leon Tripp is already charged with kidnapping. Investigators have also charged Latanya Tripp with hindering the investigation.

Cox Media Group