Authorities Investigating Whether Remains Found In Kent Belong To Three Missing Men, Including One From UP

Authorities are investigating whether human remains discovered in Kent belong to three Pierce County men who have been missing since Dec. 13.

According to the King County Sheriff, the remains were discovered in an unincorporated area of Kent today, when employees of a business found them. 

Detectives report that there were three sets of remains at the scene.

Authorities are aware of the three missing Pierce County men. Christian Alberto Rangel, 19, of University Place; Jesus Bejar Avila, 25, of Lakewood; and Yazmany Quezada Ortiz, 25, of Tacoma, were last seen leaving work at Lake Union Wholesale Florist, in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood.

The trio left work at approximately 3:15 p.m. Dec. 12 and carpooled in a silver 2007 Chevrolet quad cab belonging to Ortiz, according to the Lakewood police report. The report adds they were reported missing Dec. 13, and their vehicle was recovered abandoned at an apartment complex in the 6200 block of James Street in Kent the next day.

At the time, authorities called the disappearance of all three men suspicious.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will be working to identify the remains.  The Medical Examiner’s Office will also determine the cause and manner of death.