Authorities: Teen killing suspect, victim in relationship

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators have learned there was a romantic relationship between a 16-year-old boy and the 17-year-old boy he is suspected of fatally stabbing.

Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida confirmed the relationship Friday. The two had previously been described as very good friends.

The body of Jeremy Sanchez was found in a riverbed in South El Monte on Wednesday after he went missing and his father organized a group of boys to conduct a search.

Sheriff’s Lt. John Corina says the suspect is the boy who led the group to discover the body. He has been booked for investigation of murder. His identity hasn’t been released due to his age.

Sanchez has been described as a popular student and top athlete at South El Monte High School.