For nearly two months, the identity of human remains found in a wooded area of Quiet Waters Park remained a mystery. Thanks to an expedited DNA test, police in Anne Arundel County now have a face and name to help them solve this case.
Jose Hernandez-Portillo disappeared in March 2016. The 22 year old was known to visit Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. And when he disappeared from the area nearly 18 months ago, some items belonging to him were also found in the park but the case remained unsolved.
RELATED: Anne Arundel County Police find human remains in Quiet Waters Park
Then in late August of this year, police got a tip to search a wooded area in the park. There they discovered a set of human skeletal remains. The remains were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. A preliminary investigation revealed they belonged to a young man and there was evidence of trauma. And this week, the results of DNA testing identified the body as Jose Hernandez-Portillo.
Homicide detectives with Anne Arundel County police now believe Hernandez-Portillo was murdered around the time he disappeared. They also believe Hernandez-Portillo was targeted. They are asking anyone with information to call them at 410-222-4731 or contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
