LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is asking for the public's assistance as it continues its investigation into the death last week of an autistic boy whose body was found in the lake.
A report from Chief Brad Rasmussen said his agency has been investigating the circumstances leading to the death of 13-year-old Norman “JR” Mendigorin II on Friday.
“All of the facts and evidence we have gathered indicate that Mendigorin’s death was accidental but our investigation is continuing in order to make sure that all relevant information is gathered,” Rasmussen said in his report.
At about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 4 JR went missing from his residence on First Street, police said.
The boy was last seen dressed in white mesh basketball shorts, a light blue Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt with a small Tommy Hilfiger logo on the left chest, and pale red and white flip flops, according to Rasmussen.
However, Rasmussen said that when his body was located several hours later in the water off the end of the Third Street boat ramp, the clothing was missing.
Rasmussen said they later recovered the right side flip flop, shown in the photo above, but have not found the left side one.
Lakeport Police officers have searched the area, including having the Northshore Fire Department Dive Team search the lake off the boat ramp and Library Park but have not located the clothing, Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said police are asking that any members of the public who have seen the flip flop, white shorts or blue Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt either on the land or in the water in the Lakeport area contact the police department at 707-263-5491.
Friends of JR and his family have organized a candlelight vigil in his memory that will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the gazebo at Library Park on Park Street in Lakeport.
Police request public's help with investigation into boy's death; cause believed to be accidental
- Lake County News reports
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