DES MOINES, Iowa - The family of Abdi Sharif is looking for answers after his body was found last weekend in the Des Moines River.
State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad took a lead role in a press conference held by Sharif's family Tuesday, where he didn't rule out violence as the cause of the 18-year-old's death. "We leave no stone unturned," said Abdul-Samad. "We don't know. So that's why we need to know. That, yes we know there was a report that there was no trauma. Ya, but are there other scenarios that we need to look at."
Des Moines Police say a preliminary autopsy showed "no indications of traumatic injury". The department says the cause of death will be determined following complete examination of autopsy findings.
Abdi’s uncle, Ahmed Hashi, also spoke at the news conference that also included Abdi's mother and sister. "The police have work to do," said Hashi. "One chapter is closed, and now we need the other chapter closed. We need to get an answer. We need to find out what happened to Abdullahi, how Abdullahi died in the water."
Hashi called Des Moines a great community after residents and Abdi's fellow high school students joined search parties after his disappearance.
Before his body was pulled from the river, Abdi was last seen nearly four months earlier, January 17th, at the Merle Hay Mall Target store where he worked. He attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines.
Sharif’s family will hold a memorial Wednesday at 5 p.m. at a still to be determined location.