Over a week since a 15-year-old boy's body was found in Iberia Parish, his family and friends continue to call for a criminal investigation.
Protesters in Iberia Parish are demanding action from the sheriff's office, following the death of Quawan "Bobby" Charles.
He was reported missing from his home in Baldwin on October 30th. Family members say he was picked up by a friend and the friend's mother.
The 15-year-old was found dead days later near Loreauville. Since then, some family members are claiming Charles was murdered and believe police ignored their initial cries for help.
The sheriff's office says the case is still under investigation, but they are now classifying the case as suspicious. As we saw Wednesday in Iberia Parish, there is mounting public pressure for more details about the case.
Charles' death is getting more attention, but his family says they aren't getting any more details from law enforcement.
“Quawan’s life was taken away recklessly and it was sad and we are going to get justice,” said Quawan’s aunt, Celina Charles.
Activisits have raised concerns that Bobby's death could be murder and even a hate crime. We reached out to the iberia parish sheriff's office, whose Public Affairs Director Katherine Breaux said she "can't comment on" that concern due to the investigation being ongoing.
Quawan was last seen with a friend and that friend’s mom. Many are calling for them to be arrested. Deputies say they have spoken to several people, and collected evidence. Family says the autopsy showed drowning but they don't buy it.
“His life will not be forfeited. We will change the state, and we will change this community,” said activist, Jamal T aylor.
We've also reached out to the district attorney's office, but we haven't heard back. The family is working to get a second, independent autopsy. Bobby's body was sent to Texas for examination.
More: UPDATE: ACLU weighs in on investigation into teen's death
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