news-record.com

HIGH POINT — Not much is known yet, but neighbors are still talking about the body of a 16-year-old boy found face down in a ditch Saturday morning.

Police are calling the death suspicious but weren’t releasing details Monday.

His name has not been released by police, but family members identified him as Travis McConnell. Family members said he was a student at High Point Central High School, but school officials said he transferred to Southwest Guilford High School last semester.

McConnell’s mother declined to speak about the investigation Monday night.

The body was discovered in the 700 block of Hines Street shortly before 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Police have not released a cause of death. However it happened, neighbors said Monday that the discovery of the body made them uneasy.

“You just think about your own kids, and where they are, and how quickly it can all be over,” said Rae-Ann Brawley, 42, who lives near where the body was found. “It’s such a shame to see someone so young die like that. It’s a huge waste of
life.”

Riding a bicycle with his 8-year-old daughter Asia, Rodney Hawes said the news of the teen’s
death near his home had shaken him.

“I guess when it happens near where you live, or near the people you love, it feels more real,” Hawes said. “When you hear about it somewhere else, it’s sad. But when it happens near you, it’s scary.”
Police said Monday that the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the death is urged to call High Point Crimestoppers at 889-4000. Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

Contact Joe Killian at 883-4422, Ext. 228, or joe.killian@news-record.com