Photo: Christian Irizarry/WSET
10:25 pm Update:
The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) has arrested Michael L. Perry III (21) of Lynchburg after he was detained earlier Tuesday in connection with the death of Avriel Hooks.
Police confirm the person arrested is her husband. The family told ABC 13 - WSET that the couple was estranged.
Michael L. Perry III was taken to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail where he is being held without bond on the following charges:
- Murder in the 2nd Degree
- Unlawful Disposal of a Dead Body
"Our thoughts are with the family of Avriel Hooks during this difficult time," police said.
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Update: At 4:59 p.m., LPD provided the media with a statement on Tuesday's events.
It said LPD conducted an extensive search in partnership with the Amherst County Sheriff's Office all day Tuesday in Amherst County in reference to Hooks' disappearance.
During the search, LPD said a deceased person was found in the county.
Police said the identity of the person has not been officially confirmed at this time.
However, per the AWARE Foundation and family, it is believed to be the body of Hooks.
Also on Tuesday afternoon, a person of interest in her disappearance was found in the 1400 block of Garfield Avenue in Lynchburg and is being questioned.
LPD said no arrests have been made at this time.
More on this developing story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.
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LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The body of a missing Lynchburg woman has been found, a week after her disappearance, according to multiple reports.
The AWARE Foundation has reported that the body of 20-year-old Avriel Hooks has been found.
Kenny Jarels, with the foundation, told ABC13 he spoke with the family.
ABC13 is also at the scene at Garfield Ave., where earlier this afternoon, a police presence was reported by a group of citizen-led searchers looking for Hooks.
Individuals in the search group and friends of the family also shared with ABC13 that the body of Hooks was found.
ABC13 has attempted to confirm this information with Lynchburg Police since arriving on the scene, but LPD has yet to issue information about the discovery and the circumstances surrounding it.
From photos and videos of the scene, multiple units responded to the scene which is now taped off, including a tow truck.
ABC13 saw the tow truck impounding and taking away a vehicle. It is unclear at this time whose vehicle that was.
More on this developing story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.