Body of Lucian Munguia found

By on Friday, December 30th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

YAKIMA – The Yakima Police Department announced Friday a body recovered from the Yakima River has been identified as Lucian Munguia, 5, who was last seen at Sarg Hubbard Park in Yakima on September 10.

On Thursday, deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Yakima Valley Highway and Burke Road in Wapato in reference to a report of human remains being found in the Yakima River.

Detectives from the Yakima Police Department and Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, along with Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice recovered the skeletal remains and documented the scene.

An autopsy was conducted Friday and based on a comparison of dental records, detectives and the coroner’s office determined that the remains are that of Lucian Munguia. DNA testing will be conducted to confirm the identification. The Yakima Police Department will provide additional details of DNA testing once the results are available.

Based on the results of the autopsy, there is no indication of criminal acts leading to the young boy’s death.

In a joint news release, the Yakima Police Department and Yakima County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement:

“We would like to thank all the community members, volunteers, and professional organizations who helped in the search for Lucian. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Lucian.”