Family of murdered teen pleads for answers as homicide investigation continues

HAYESVILLE, NC – Jordan Garcia, a 17 year old Clay County native reported missing Tuesday, May 28, was identified through dental records at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, NC, earlier this week. Garcia’s remains have since been tranported to North Carolina State University for forensic examination, Clay County Sheriff’s Office told FetchYourNews (FYN).

Christina Garcia, the stepmother of the victim, offered a statement on behalf of the family through FYN. “A family in pain asks them to remember when a love one passes in an unnatural away, in a way like our poor Jordan did, we have to be their voice,” Garcia pleaded. “So please, speak up. If (you) have any information, please call the sheriff’s office and speak to Investigator Wingate.”

Garcia, who was living in Hiawassee, GA with his girlfriend at the time of his disappearance, was discovered off Fires Creek Road, north of Hayesville, May 31. Authorities confirmed that the teen’s remains indicated partial burning, with portions of the victim’s extremities disengaged. Homicide investigators hope to establish a timeline, and determine the cause of Garcia’s death, through the forensic examination.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Todd Wingate said that search warrants continue to be executed, phone records are under review, and numerous individuals have been interviewed by law enforcement. While no suspects have been formally charged in connection with the murder, Wingate relayed that a person of interest has been identified by authorities.

Anyone with information on the disappearance and murder of Jordan Garcia is asked to call Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 828-389-3704, extension 13. Tips will be kept confidential.