Body of 16-year-old Miyonna Jones found in Pender County

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The two week search for a missing Wilmington teen has ended with the discovery of the 16-year-old’s body in Pender County.

Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams and District Attorney Ben David released those details during a news conference on Thursday afternoon.

They said there are still two identified suspects in the case of Miyonna Jones.

Jones’ half-brother Jahreese Jones and his girlfriend, Randi Johnson, are being charged in this case. Jahreese Jones has been in custody since early November on separate charges. Murder charges are anticipated.

“We do anticipate murder charges coming out, but we are going to be deliberate and make sure that we have the necessary forensic evaluations that need to take place,” David said.

Chief Williams said police searched the New Hanover County landfill for Miyonna Jones for the last two weeks, with the help of New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, landfill staff, Brunswick Search Rescue, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Fire and the Cue Center for Missing Persons.

“In the entire time I have been in this office, I’ve never seen a more extensive investigation to bring a child home as I’ve personally been witnessing the past 2 weeks,” said Ben David, New Hanover County District Attorney.

“This is an active ongoing investigation, we’re making sure anyone involved is prosecuted to the fullest extent for this despicable crime,” Chief Williams said.

Although the landfill was the center of the search initially, District Attorney Ben David did not share what led investigators to Pender County, where Miyonna’s body was found.

“We want to send our condolences to her family, her friends doing this extremely difficult time. We’re asking the community to keep them uplifted in prayer,” said Chief Williams.

Miyonna’s 17th birthday would have been Friday, November 11.