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Skeletal remains found in woods in Northwest Jacksonville belongs to missing 18-year-old

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced Monday night the skeletal remains found less than a week ago off Utsey Road were positively identified as missing Jacksonville teen Corbin Johnson.

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The 18-year-old was last seen by his mother on July 11th, 2018.

His remains were discovered exactly one year later 12 miles from his home.

Johnson’s family told Action News Jax Reporter Ryan Nelson on Tuesday they were too emotional to speak in an on-camera interview, but they’re in need of the community’s prayers and support at this time.

“My heart aches so bad for my cousin,” said one a relative in a Facebook post in support of Johnson’s mother. “In spite of, God is always good and will see her through.”

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Police initially said it could take weeks for the remains to be positively identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

But the JSO tweeted on Monday night saying in part:

"… There were factors involved that led to the [medical examiner] to be able to make an ID quicker. Details we did not know at the scene when the remains were immediately located …"

Nelson reached out to JSO asking what “factors” and “details” allowed the ME to make a speedy identification.

A JSO spokesperson replied, saying, “There is nothing further being released at this time.”

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Officers say Johnson's death is being investigated as a murder. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

You may also remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 if you tip leads to an arrest, by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.