Cornelius Traves Murphy Jr., 19, of Warren was found dead in an open field in Pontiac on the morning of Wednesday, January 7, 2026. A resident discovered his body in the 100 block of North Jessie Street about 8:16 a.m.; investigators believe he was fatally shot in the chest the evening before, on Tuesday, January 6.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is treating the death as a homicide. Murphy’s car was recovered at a different location from where his body was found, and authorities have asked anyone who saw or heard anything unusual around 8:30 p.m. on January 6 to come forward. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced; Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Murphy’s family remembers him as an ambitious, hardworking young man who was deeply loved. If anyone saw Murphy that evening or has information about his movements or the vehicle’s locations, please share what you know with investigators.