Michael Schwartz for New York Daily News
Avonte Qoendo's parents, Daniel and Vanessa. 'It’s not Avonte until the DNA evidence comes in and says it is,' said family lawyer David Perecman on Saturday. But he conceded, 'On the other hand, it’s not looking great.'
The family of autistic teen Avonte Oquendo, despite mounting proof to the contrary, refused to abandon their long-shot hopes of seeing the lost boy alive once more.
The city medical examiner was working Saturday with the remains recovered over three days to determine the identity of the body discovered on the Queens banks of the East River.
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“I’ll say it again . . . it’s not Avonte until the DNA evidence comes in and says it is,” family lawyer David Perecman told members of the National Action Network on Saturday.
But he conceded, “On the other hand, it’s not looking great.”
Community advocate Tony Herbert, who joined the hunt when the 14-year-old disappeared on Oct. 4, said Avonte’s mom was clinging to hope while awaiting the ME’s final word.
“Everyone’s waiting to see . . . but she still has faith that Avonte’s still alive, and that he’ll be found safe and sound,” said Herbert.
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A final determination on the ID was expected within days, said Perecman. It could bring a sad conclusion to a citywide manhunt for the Rego Park teen.
Members of the NYPD’s Harbor Unit recovered a second arm as well as some human tissue during Saturday’s search. Roughly half the remains were recovered, with authorities theorizing the body washed ashore and got wedged in the rocks, police sources said.
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The search is expected to continue Sunday.
A high-ranking police source dismissed a published report that the teen fell to his death while running from a dog.
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“That tip was followed up early in the investigation as well as video reviewed,” the source told the Daily News. “The information was not accurate.”
The discovery of a left arm on Thursday brought a horde of investigators. Other body parts were quickly recovered, along with clothing consistent with the outfit Avonte was wearing when last seen.
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The youth, who lived in Queens, walked past a security guard and out of the Riverview School in Long Island City three months ago.
Perecman filed a $25 million notice of claim against the city on behalf of Avonte’s family five days after the boy vanished, claiming the school did not properly supervise the autistic teen.
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Cops theorize Avonte could have stumbled and plunged to his death in the East River while walking through a shrub-covered stretch near the mouth of the Newtown Creek.
“Maybe it’s possible it will be some sort of closure,” said Perecman.
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“I just spoke to his grandmother this morning,” the lawyer continued. “Mom didn’t really want to pick up the phone, and I don’t blame her.”
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