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DA: Wayland Teen's Death Classified As Apparent Homicide

WAYLAND (CBS) - A homicide investigation was underway Monday night after the search for a missing teenager in Wayland ended sadly.

Eighteen-year-old Lauren Astley's body has been recovered and a homicide investigation was underway.

Monday around 9 pm, a brown Honda CR-V, believed to belong to Lauren's boyfriend, was towed into Wayland police station. Investigators could be seen at the home of a teenager who has been identified as Lauren's boyfriend. WBZ-TV is not yet naming that individual.

Astley's body was found Monday morning in a marshy area off of Route 27 in Wayland by a bicyclist passing by. According to the District Attorney, the bicyclist immediately called 911. Lauren's vehicle was also discovered parked at Wayland's town beach.


WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports

The D.A. confirmed Monday night that Astley's death was an apparent homicide, though no further details were offered. The D.A. did not name any suspects, but added that it was believed that residents should not be in fear at this time.

On Monday night, Malcolm pleaded for anyone who may have seen something near Wayland Town Beach between 7:45 pm and 8 pm Sunday to call police.  Astley says police knew Lauren's location at 7:45 pm and 8 pm is the time Malcolm says a Wayland police officer discovered Lauren's car and realized something was amiss.

Earlier, Malcolm told WBZ-TV's Beth Germano he did not know much about the circumstances surrounding the death. At one point, he did allude to the possibility of foul play. "I think we will find eventually that whatever foul play took part here arose from our society's failure to look deeply at our needs together and to work on meeting them," he said.

Malcolm choked up when describing his daughter as a great singer, a strong athlete and a competitor.

Lauren recently graduated from Wayland High School and was set to attend Elon University in North Carolina this fall.

Counselors were expected to be available at Happy Hollow School in Wayland on Tuesday.

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