A Virginia mother has been found deceased following her disappearance last week, according to police.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Avriel Hooks, 20, was reported missing August 23, after her family hadn’t heard from her the day prior. The following day, they received a text message from her phone but didn’t seem like it was from Hook.

The Lynchburg Police Department confirmed finding a body Tuesday in a wooded area Amherst County. According to CBS 7, the police department said Hook had been murdered. Her boyfriend, identified as Michael L. Perry III, 21, of Lynchburg, has been arrested and charged with her murder.

“If you’re in an abusive situation don’t let him, think or her – don’t let anyone, make you think people don’t care… no one cares about you,” Hooks’ mother, Ashley Pittman, said. “It’s the biggest lie they could ever tell you. There are so many people that care.”

Hooks was the mother of an infant son, and family members previously said she would have never willingly left her child. They’re now collecting diapers and clothing for the baby, which can be dropped off at 1820 Florida Ave. in Lynchburg.

Meanwhile, Perry remains behind bars on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of a body.

Anyone with information on the case case is urged to callcontact LPD Detective C.T. Davis at 434-455-6166, ACSO Investigator B. Escher at 434-946-9373, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. You can also submit an anonymous tip online here.

This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available. Check back for updates.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Feature Photo: Avriel Hooks/Family Handout]