An Humble, Texas, teenager who was reported missing, along with his mother, has been confirmed as the driver of a vehicle involved in a chase and crash in Nebraska.
According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, a female's body was found in the trunk of that car, which authorities have additionally linked to the disappearance of 17-year-old Tyler Roenz's mother.
"The crash occurred near Aurora, Nebraska," the sheriff tweeted. "The male driver has been identified as missing teen Tyler Roenz. Tyler is being treated at a hospital and said to be in serious condition. The body of a deceased female has been discovered in the trunk of the vehicle; the identity of the person remains unknown at this time."
According to Nebraska State Patrol, troopers located the Mazda 3 deputies had been searching for at about 3 p.m., around two-and-a-half hours west of Omaha traveling westbound. A high-speed chase followed. Tyler, who was behind the wheel, crashed and was injured.
"Update: the vehicle has been located in Nebraska," Gonzalez tweeted. "With assistance from Nebraska State Police, a pursuit took place and the driver crashed out. The male driver may have sustained injuries related to the crash, but the extent is unknown. The identity of the driver has not yet been confirmed. Still an active scene."
The body has been identified as 49-year-old Michelle Roenz.
Michelle Roenz was described as a fierce animal advocate, mother and wife, and was well-regarded, neighbors said.
Tyler was more mysterious. In March, the teen was charged with attempted sexual assault. According to court records, he attacked an 18-year-old girl in his car, ripped off her shirt, and then kicked her in the face. He was not enrolled in Humble ISD, where his sister was a valedictorian in 2020.
The sheriff's office said the mother and son were last seen at about 11:40 a.m. Thursday at their home in the 14700 block of Birch Arbor Court, which is in the Fall Creek neighborhood in the Humble area.
They were initially reported missing by a family member.
