Teen lured to Maryland Park: Four charged in his brutal killing

(January 18, 2026) Four suspects are behind bars in connection with the killing of a 14-year-old Washington, DC, boy whose remains were discovered months after he was reported missing.  Those remains were recovered from a wooded College Park park during a search for the missing teen. Prince George’s County Police announced the arrests yesterday.

The suspects — 18-year-old Jose Merlos-Majano, 21-year-old Alan Garcia-Padilla, 19-year-old William Cuellar-Gutierrez, all of Washington, DC, along with a 17-year-old from Hyattsville — have been charged with the murder of Jefferson Amaya-Ayala.

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Authorities say the teen was lured to Indian Creek Stream Valley Park on August 2, 2025, and killed, suffering multiple injuries. His disappearance sparked a multi-agency search, and his remains were ultimately located on November 3 during a coordinated investigation with DC police and the FBI’s Cross Border Task Force.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the identity and ruled Amaya-Ayala’s death a homicide.

Detectives later identified the four suspects through what police described as “extensive investigative work.” The victim reportedly knew at least one of his alleged killers, and investigators believe the killing was gang-related, though the exact motive remains under review.

The FBI’s Baltimore Field Office has taken over the case, with the suspects awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County from Maryland, DC, and Virginia facilities.

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(Source and mugshots: Prince George’s County Police Department)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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