Missing Dodge City Teenager Cody Ceniceros Found Dead in Vehicle After Weeks-Long Search; Investigation Points to Fatal Crash
The lifeless body of 17-year-old Cody Ceniceros, reported missing weeks earlier from Dodge City, was discovered inside his vehicle on Tuesday, marking a distressing turn in the search efforts. Ceniceros had vanished on November 24 after departing alone in his 1999 Maroon Chevy Tracker, with his cell phone reportedly switched off since then, as revealed by Dodge City Police Chief Drew Francis during a December 4 city commission meeting. The public outcry on social media following Ceniceros’ disappearance prompted Francis to address the situation, emphasizing an ongoing and comprehensive investigation.
“This is a very active investigation,” Francis remarked earlier, highlighting continuous efforts behind the scenes. A breakthrough occurred on Tuesday when Dodge City police and the Ford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported vehicle crash in a remote area of Ford County, discovered by a property owner. Subsequent investigation led the lead detective to confirm the body in the vehicle as Ceniceros, along with identifying the vehicle belonging to him. Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle veered off the roadway, traversed a farm field east of an intersection, became airborne, and subsequently rolled over, leading to fatal injuries for Ceniceros, according to a Dodge City police news release.
“Preliminary assessments suggest Cody succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash most likely immediately,” the release conveyed. The Kansas Highway Patrol has assumed control of the crash scene investigation, while an autopsy is scheduled to ascertain the exact cause of Ceniceros’ death. Chief Francis, acknowledging the extensive community involvement in the search, urged caution, stating, “This public release is issued due to the extensive community involvement in the search for Cody. I ask the public to please keep in mind that this is a preliminary release and our understanding of what happened could change as we move through this investigation.” Several agencies, including the Dodge City Police Department, Ford County Sheriff’s Office, and various state investigative bodies, joined forces in the extensive search operations.
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