Head found on Key Biscayne belonged to teen who went missing off Miami Beach, police say
Get personalized newsletters for any city in the world with Headline, sign up here.
Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr. , a 19-year-old who went missing after a swimming incident off Miami Beach, has been identified as the individual whose head was found on Key Biscayne. The tragic events unfolded when Castaneda was swimming with his younger sister at South Pointe Beach and was caught in a rip current; she was rescued, but he disappeared. On Tuesday, a beach maintenance worker discovered a human head on the shore, prompting police to investigate. Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County police confirmed the remains belonged to Castaneda, leading to a shift in the nature of the investigation from a missing persons case to an open investigation.
Cmdr. Shantell Mitchell of the Miami Beach Police Department expressed condolences to Castaneda's family and mentioned ongoing support from victim advocates. A memorial service is scheduled to take place on the sand of South Pointe Beach, one week after his disappearance, where his sister shared her heartache over losing him. This incident has raised questions about safety at local beaches, especially concerning rip currents. The community mourns the tragic loss of a young life and seeks to support the grieving family during this difficult time.