Authorities have confirmed that the remains of a teenager found in South Wilkes-Barre are those of La’Niyah Clark, a 15-year-old who went missing earlier this year. In connection to this case, the teen’s biological aunt has been apprehended.
The disappearance of La’Niyah Clark on January 17 had gripped the community of Wilkes-Barre. Investigators revealed that the remains, discovered behind a garage on Thayer Street, were identified as La’Niyah through dental records and other evidence collected.
Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Michael Boyle and Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce issued a statement confirming the discovery. La’Niyah’s aunt, Bobbiejo Etzel, aged 36, was arrested in Hagerstown, Maryland. She faces charges of corruption of minors and interference with custody. The arrest was made possible through the collaboration with U.S. Marshals.
Known affectionately as “Lala” by her family, La’Niyah was adopted by Ameerah Woods and Antoine Clark in 2020. Her disappearance was reported when she failed to return home by the evening on January 17. La’Niyah was known to be deaf and used hearing aids.
“La’Niyah’s biological aunt, Bobbiejo Etzel, 36, was arrested in Hagerstown, Maryland, with the assistance of U.S. Marshals and is expected to be charged with corruption of minors and interfering with La’Niyah’s custody,” the release stated on Friday.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation revealed that La’Niyah had left her home and sought refuge with her aunt, Etzel. The authorities indicated that Etzel relocated multiple times before leaving the county. It was noted in the statement that Etzel had an active Protection from Abuse (PFA) order against her, prohibiting contact with La’Niyah.
At a recent rally, La’Niyah’s adoptive grandmother, Carmen Tinson, expressed concerns about the aunt’s living conditions, claiming that La’Niyah was in a house with a known pedophile. This prompted the family to request a PFA order in October.
On Tuesday, investigators converged on a multi-unit apartment near the site where La’Niyah’s body was found. District Attorney Sanguedolce mentioned that individuals from the building had connections to La’Niyah, although no suspects were named publicly.
A check of the Megan’s Law registry revealed a person with a history of sexual offenses residing at the location. Bobbiejo Etzel is currently detained in Maryland, awaiting transfer to Luzerne County for her arraignment.
Scene Investigation and Autopsy
The call to Thayer Street came around 1 p.m. on Saturday after human remains were reported. The affidavit accompanying the search warrant detailed the discovery of a female body in a snow pile, showing potential signs of trauma, including discoloration and suspected bruising.
Detective James Conmy noted in the affidavit that a rope-like item was found around the wrist, along with various objects at the scene, including a MAC knife and scissors. The autopsy conducted by Luzerne County Coroner Dion Fernandes confirmed the identity as La’Niyah Clark.
The exact cause and manner of death remain undetermined. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Wilkes-Barre Police at 570-208-0911.
