WANTED: Two accused of kidnapping, killing teen whose body was found in Swannanoa River

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville police say their investigation into the death of a 19-year-old has led to charges being brought against two wanted men.

Officials say Samuel Gonzalez De La Cruz, 31, and Roberto Robles-Ramirez, 44, both of Asheville, have been charged with 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Kidnapping of Jose Reynoso Ramirez, whose body was found last week in the Swannanoa River.

ASHEVILLE DETECTIVES FOLLOWING UP ON MULTIPLE LEADS IN HOMICIDE OF 19-YEAR-OLD

Detectives are asking for the public's help locating the suspects. De La Cruz has been described as a Hispanic male, 5'8", 140 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes and has a tattoo of a rosary with a praying hand on his upper arm. Robles-Ramirez has been described as a Hispanic male, 5’7”, 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts can share it anonymously by texting TIP2APD to 847411, or use the TIP2APD smartphone app. Information can also be shared by calling 828-252-1110.

19-year-old Jose Reynoso Ramirez was reported missing after he was last seen Sept. 27 in Woodfin. His body was found in the Swannanoa River near Azalea Road on Saturday, Oct. 2.

An autopsy was conducted Wednesday, Oct. 6, but officials have not yet said how he died.

FAMILY OF ASHEVILLE TEEN FOUND IN SWANNANOA RIVER ISSUES STATEMENT

Investigators tell News 13 the suspects fought with the victim at a party.

"The major case unit put together a pretty strict timeline and did a number of canvasses and we were able to find different witnesses who were able to corroborate and explain some key pieces of physical evidence that were recovered during the search," Cpt. Joe Silberman with APD Criminal Investigations said.

The Reynoso Ramirez family issued the following statement last week:

Our beloved Jose Reynoso Ramirez migrated to WNC 2 years ago with the dream to help provide a better life for his mother and 4 siblings back home in Guatemala. He was a hard working young man who had an American dream cut short with his passing. He was very close to his family and leaves behind a younger sibling, father and aunt here in WNC. We are heartbroken by his death, and we ask for privacy in this trying time. We want to thank Woodfin and Asheville Police departments for their support, and we pray those responsible for his death are found and justice is served. We would like to plead with the public to come forward with any information they may have to help bring justice for Jose's death.

The family will be repatriating Ramirez to his homeland of Guatemala to be laid to rest. The family has set up a GoFundMe page for those who wish to help.

"We appreciate any and all help," the family said in a statement.

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