Missing Seton Hall student identified in Middletown

☑️ Lacking Middletown scholar John Paul Fernandez was final seen in 2015

☑️ A six-page notice later surfaced hidden inside a stuffed toy eagle

☑️ Human stays found in Middletown might lastly deliver solutions to his household

MIDDLETOWN — Human stays discovered close to the Henry Hudson Path have been recognized as a Monmouth County Seton Corridor scholar who went lacking in 2015.

John Paul Fernandez of Middletown was final seen at Natco Lake in Hazlet, the place his cellphone was discovered. Regardless of searches and media protection, he was by no means heard from once more. His mom, Ninia Fernandez, informed the Filipino news agency GMA News Online her son was a senior and an accounting main.

Ninia stated her son left behind a six-page suicide notice discovered inside a stuffed toy eagle. He was bullied at Middletown Excessive College and faculty.

In keeping with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Workplace, human stays had been discovered within the space of Willow Avenue in Middletown, which runs parallel to the Henry Hudson Path on Nov. 4, 2024. There was nothing suspicious concerning the discovery.

ALSO READ: Gov. Murphy pardons 11 Jersey veterans on Veterans Day

Household and group search closure

Nearly a 12 months later, Middletown police informed his mom the stays had been recognized as her son. His mom, Ninia Fernandez, shared the information on her Fb web page.

“There are not any phrases to explain the ache and the numerous tears we have now cried for him — each single day, for yearly he was gone. Whereas this brings heartbreaking closure, it additionally brings peace to lastly deliver our son dwelling,” Ninia Fernandez wrote. “We’re ceaselessly grateful to everybody who helped us search for JP, prayed with us, and by no means stopped hoping alongside our household.”

She stated a celebration of life will likely be held to honor his reminiscence.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom