Park Forest Teen Found Dead in Utility Easement Behind 300 Block of Somonauk Street

police vehicles parked, utility easement, Somonauk St., teen found dead — Police vehicles parked in the utility easement behind the 400 block of Somonauk Street at about 5:20 p.m. Monday afternoon. (Photo: Patty Barnas)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- A teenage resident of Park Forest was found dead in the utility easement behind the 300 block of Somonauk Street Monday afternoon, Park Forest Police said in a statement.

Park Forest Police were dispatched to the area of a utility easement behind the 300 block of Somonauk Street on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 12:37 p.m., for a report of a man down, according to the statement.

Officers found an 18-year-old Park Forest resident unresponsive, and Park Forest Paramedics confirmed he was deceased, police said in the statement.

Due to signs of trauma, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force was requested and the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services was requested for crime scene processing, according to police.

Preliminary investigation indicates that this was not a random crime, according to the statement.

One witness reported on Facebook hearing a woman scream and a dog barking just before police arrived.

“In an effort to ensure we report the most accurate information, we are waiting on the autopsy results before releasing any cause of death,” Police Chief Christopher Mannino told eNews Park Forest.

The Park Forest Police Department asks that anyone who might have seen or heard anything suspicious contact the Investigations Division at (708) 748-1309.

“As this remains an active investigation, additional details will not be released at this time, but we will update the public once appropriate,” the statement concludes.

The area behind the 300 block of Somonauk Street is where a teenager was found dead Monday afternoon. This is an active investigation.