Ex-Doraville police officer arrested in connection to death of 16-year-old who vanished months ago

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A former metro Atlanta police officer has been arrested in connection with the death of a 16-year-old girl who vanished from Gwinnett County more than six months ago.

Susana Morales’ remains were found on Feb. 6 off Highway 316 near the Barrow County line. Morales vanished from her home on July 26, 2022.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Susana Morales texted her mother at 9:40 p.m. that night and was not heard from again.

Morales’s cell phone and video footage showed her walking on Singleton Lane in the direction of her home, but detectives thought at the time that she may have gotten into a vehicle.

Police said her phone continued to indicate that she was in the same area until it was turned off.

Her remains were found Wednesday, more than 20 miles away off of Drowning Creek Road.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Firefighters heading to work find hit-and-run victim lying in road in Hall County, save his life
• Car hauler bursts into flames on I-85 onramp, burning multiple cars and shutting road down
• Truck driver had no clue they were hauling heroin, fentanyl and more through Georgia

Police said 22-year-old old Miles Bryant, who was a police officer with the Doraville Police Department up until his arrest, has been arrested in her death. He’s been charged with concealing the death of another and false report of a crime.

Police did not give an indication if Bryant and Morales knew each other.

Doraville police issued the following statement Monday evening:

“The City of Doraville was notified the afternoon of Monday, February 13 that a now former police officer was being served felony arrest warrants by the Gwinnett Police Department in connection with the disappearance and murder of Susana Morales.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The City of Doraville and its Police Department are fully cooperating with the Gwinnett Police Department in its investigation of Mr. Bryant.

“Our prayers rest with the family and friends of Susana Morales and everyone else affected by this tragedy.”

Gwinnett Police Detectives continue investigating Morales’ manner and cause of death. Anyone with information is asked to call GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.

Human remains found in Gwinnett County identified as missing 16-year-old girl

©2022 Cox Media Group