Missing New Jersey teen found deceased

PLAINFIELD, N.J. — Connor Oldfield, a 19‑year‑old New Jersey man with autism who disappeared last month, has been found dead, officials said Thursday.

Connor Oldfield Found: Officials Confirm Discovery

City leaders and the Plainfield Police Department confirmed the discovery and called his death “a heartbreaking loss felt across our entire community.”

Police Director James T. Abney said officers found Oldfield’s body in the Green Brook Park area near the Roosevelt Avenue bridge. He thanked supporting agencies, including the New Jersey State Police, and said investigators “left no stone unturned” during the search.

Timeline of Connor Oldfield’s Disappearance

Police reported Oldfield missing on Jan. 24. A community alert said witnesses last saw him on Watson Avenue wearing yellow, black and gray camouflage fleece pajamas and a gray zip‑up jacket. The alert also noted that he was verbal but could become anxious if approached.

Connor Oldfield’s Mother Feared ICE May Have Detained Him

During the search, Oldfield’s mother said she feared ICE had mistakenly detained her son. She noted that agents were in the area the day he vanished and feared they “picked him up” while he carried no identification. However, Plainfield police said they contacted federal officials, who confirmed ICE had not detained Oldfield.

Authorities stressed that no evidence supported the claim.

Search Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

The discovery of Oldfield’s body ended a search that drew regional law‑enforcement support and community volunteers. The Green Brook flows behind homes and cuts through parkland near the bridge where officers found him. Officials have not released details about how long he may have been in the water or the cause of death.

Community Urged to Avoid Speculation

Mayor Adrian Mapp urged residents to avoid speculation as detectives continue their work. He said the loss “hits all of Plainfield” and urged the community to support Oldfield’s family with compassion.

Authorities said the investigation remains active. Officials said they will not release additional information.