Slain Menifee Boy's Remains Officially Identified

The body of Terry Smith Jr. was found near his home July 10 after a massive search

Terry Smith Jr., the 11-year-old boy whose body was found last month near his Menifee home after a massive search, was officially identified, coroner's officials confirmed on Thursday.

DNA confirmed Terry's identifty, said Sgt. Ruben Escobar, of the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Office.

TERRY SMITH CASE: Complete Coverage | Timeline | Map | Images

The news comes as friends and family are expected to hold a public memorial for Terry at the Menifee Market on Friday night, according to the Facebook page, Remembering Terry Smith.

Terry was reported missing July 7, prompting a massive search by authorities and hundreds of volunteers in Menifee, a suburb about 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Three days later, authorities discovered Terry’s partially exposed body behind his mother's home.

His 16-year-old half brother, Skylor Atilano, was charged with murder in connection with the death. Atilano is expected in court in September. Prosecutors want to try him as an adult.

More Southern California Stories:

Contact Us