The Alameda County Coroner’s Office positively identified the body of a 21-year-old Alameda man who was reported missing on Thursday, July 16.

The body of Donald Stanifer, 21, was found at Huckleberry Botanical Regional Preserve in Oakland on Sunday, July 12. The regional preserve is property of the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD). Because Stanifer’s body was found on EBRPD property, their police agency has assumed control of the investigation. The body was sent to the coroner’s office where they identified the body and notified his family before announcing his death to the public.

Stanifer, an Encinal High School graduate, was reported missing by his mother on Tuesday, July 7, at noon. He had not been seen or heard from since Sunday, July 5, at approximately 10 p.m. Stanifer failed to call in or show up to work on Monday, July 6, at 7 a.m., which was unusual for him. The Alameda Police Department (APD) assumed the investigation into his disappearance. They entered both Stanifer and his vehicle into the Missing and Unidentified Persons Database, according to police reports.

On Wednesday, July 8, at approximately 8 p.m., a deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office located Stanifer’s vehicle parked and unoccupied in San Leandro. According to APD, the vehicle contained evidence that a violent crime may have occurred. The vehicle was towed to APD for further investigation. At this point in the investigation, law enforcement view the investigation involving a serious crime committed against Stanifer.

APD’s Violent Crimes Unit personnel are assisting EBRPD with their investigation. So far, eight different law enforcement agencies have contributed to the investigation since Stanifer was reported missing.

Stanifer’s mother, Greer Adams, has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for funeral expenses. In the description she describes her son as a “special person; a dedicated, responsible, and caring son.” To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-find-donald-stanifer.