'Such a young and promising life': Police identify body of 13-year-old Darius Swain

Christopher Cann
Tallahassee Democrat

The Tallahassee Police Department confirmed that the body recently found behind a West Tennessee Street Walmart is 13-year-old Darius Swain.

There still is no evidence of foul play, TPD spokesperson Heather Merritt said. 

Swain was the subject of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation that began July 24, after he was reported missing by TPD, as well as numerous community searches near the street where he was last seen — the 1800 block of Nekoma Court. 

The body was found by a civilian around midnight July 25 in a wooded area behind the Walmart located at 4400 W Tennessee Street. 

Swain was in Tallahassee visiting his father and aunt, Tallahassee City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said. He lived in Sanford with his mother. 

Williams-Cox, who helped form a large search party, said this is "tragic news."

"He was a gifted musician," she said, citing a conversation she had with his grandparents. "I know he was looking forward to going back to school."

She continued: "It's just a terrible loss of such a young and promising life."

Previous coverage:Body found behind Walmart believed to be missing 13-year-old; TPD says 'no foul play'

More:Tallahassee Police, FDLE searching for 13-year-old boy Darius Swain missing from Leon County

This story is developing. Check back later for updates. 

Contact Christopher Cann at ccann@tallahassee.com and follow @ChrisCannFL on Twitter.

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