A South Carolina teen who has been missing for several weeks was found dead of homicide.

The Associated Press reports that Malik Spencer, 18, was found shot to death in Bamberg County.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Malik’s parents had been desperately searching for him since he vanished in December, failing to show up for classes at Whale Branch High School or report to his after-school job. On the day he disappeared, he had reportedly been planning to drive a friend to school the morning he disappeared, but sent her a message on Facebook the night before saying he could not longer take her, as he had something else he needed to do.

Three days after he disappeared, Malik’s car was found in a rural area of St. Helena’s Island. His parents told WTGS-TV that the family never went to that area, and that Malik did not know anyone there.

Malik’s body was reportedly found concealed in brush along a highway in Bamberg County, likely more than an hour’s drive from where the teen’s car was found.

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reportedly said the body had been found in late January, and an autopsy confirmed Malik died of gunshot injuries, and that the death has been classified as a homicide. Authorities have not yet named any suspects.