Cole Cooper, 19, was last seen in early May, Scottish authorities said
Police then said last week that his body had been found in a wooded area
“I do believe there has been some involvement by a third party and the result is the death of Cole,” Wendy Stewart, the victim’s mother, told Sky News
The body of a 19-year-old who vanished last month has been formally identified, Scottish police said — while the victim’s mother believes a “third party” is connected to her son’s death.

Police Scotland confirmed in a Friday, June 13, news release that Cole Cooper was found dead in a wooded area near the Scottish village of Banknock.

“The death is being treated as unexplained and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances,” officials said.

According to police, Cooper was seen alive on video about 6 a.m., local time on May 4, on Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft.

A witness then said they saw Cooper again on May 7 on Glasgow Road, at the junction with Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft, police said.

“A dedicated team of detectives is working to piece together Cole’s movements leading up to his death,” Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said in the news release.
“My thoughts are with Cole’s family and friends at this time and officers will continue to offer them support,” Hatrick said.

“As our enquiries progress, we are ensuring the family is kept informed with all aspects of the investigation,” he added.

In an interview with Sky News published on Wednesday, June 18, Wendy Stewart, Cooper’s mother, said she believes someone else may have had something to do with what happened to her son.

She also shared her heartbreak over his death.

“He was only 19, he should never have been taken,” she told the outlet. “I am never going to see him again. I never got a chance to give him a last cuddle and hold his hand.”

“Someone has taken that away from me far too soon,” Stewart continued. “Whether it be intentionally or unintentionally, I do believe there has been some involvement by a third party and the result is the death of Cole.”

Stewart also told Sky News that shortly before he disappeared, Cooper had “various arguments.”

“The police really need to take accountability and listen to families, they are reporting a missing child and understand the family knows their child best,” Stewart told Sky News.

She also said that finding the person responsible would serve as justice.

“As it stands, the police are still investigating, it’s been categorised as unexplained and his post-mortem at the moment remains uncertain,” Aimee Tennie, Cooper’s aunt, tells PEOPLE in a statement, noting that they still have “many questions surrounding his death.”

Police Scotland said in an updated statement that they have not yet confirmed anyone else was involved in Cooper’s death.

“We are carrying out significant enquiries into Cole’s death, however, at this time there is no evidence of any third-party involvement,” Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said Wednesday.

He added: “It is vital that we establish the full circumstances leading up to Cole’s death so that we can provide some answers to his family.”

Police are appealing to the public for any information related to the case.