Body of missing Montgomery teen found, two suspects arrested

Michael Cole, Jr./Source: Family

The body of a missing Montgomery teen has been found.

The body of 16-year-old Michael Cole, Jr., was found Monday night just before 11 p.m. in the 6500 block of Selma Highway. That location is near the Montgomery Regional Airport.

Montgomery police say 18-year-old Nedvin Jones, Jr. and 18-year-old Nicholas Sheppard were arrested and charged with Cole’s murder.

Chief Darryl Albert tells Action 8 News that there are indications that all parties involved knew each other.

According to court documents, Jones and Sheppard “did commit or attempted to commit a crime by discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling” in the Ridgecrest area on January 25.

Once an investigator arrived, they found bullet damage to the home. Officials say that’s the same night Cole, Jr. was reported missing.

Michael Cole, Jr. was a student at Sidney Lanier High School.

“Our hearts go out to Michael’s family and all of the families that have dealt with gun violence and tragedies,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown. “Now, more than ever, our youth are facing challenges presented by society that require the community to rally together for continuous support. We also need to have a very serious examination of the incredibly easy access that we have allowed to firearms. We must have an open dialogue with our youth that explains the realities of violence. Our children deserve all of the opportunities life will afford them, and we, as a community, must be present to ensure our children reach their highest potentials.”

The two suspects are being held in the Montgomery County Detention Facility on no bond.