Death of missing 17-year-old Nyair Raymond under investigation after body recovered from Anacostia River

WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the death of 17-year-old Nyair Raymond, who was reported missing in January and has since been found deceased in the Anacostia River, police confirmed.

Raymond was last seen on January 15, in the 1500 block of South Capitol Street, Southwest, after fleeing from police. That day, First District officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle. After the vehicle crashed nearby, the driver and passenger ran from the scene. Officers quickly apprehended the driver, but the passenger—later identified as Raymond—escaped after jumping a fence in the 1700 block of South Capitol Street.

Raymond’s family reported him missing on January 17, prompting MPD to issue a critical missing person alert, citing heightened concern for his safety as this was the first time Raymond had been reported missing.

Officers conducted multiple searches of the area, focusing on where Raymond was last seen. In the days following his disappearance, police located some of his clothing near the shoreline of the Anacostia River, leading investigators to expand their search along the water.

On March 7, a body was recovered from the river in the area of the Frederick Douglass Bridge. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed this week that the remains belonged to Raymond.

The cause and manner of Raymond’s death have not yet been determined, and the case remains an active death investigation, according to MPD.

Police extended their condolences to Raymond’s family and friends as the investigation continues.