MACON, Ga. — Today marks two weeks since 25-year-old Devin Jeter was last spotted at the Atlanta airport.
He was renting a silver Jeep Compass from Enterprise Car Rental to head to his naval base in Jacksonville, Florida,
Last week, the Navy sailor was found dead in the Ocmulgee River near Lumber City, and tonight his family is one step closer toward closure.
Jeter's Aunt Debra Smith confirmed with 13WMAZ the GBI Crime Lab released Jeter's body on Friday.
But with many questions still unanswered, they're still making sure his story is heard.
Smith said it took nearly three days for the Atlanta police to release their original missing persons report, which later helped GBI officials identify Jeter once he was found.
"That's when GBI kind of connected the dots," Smith said. "They reached out to Devin's father to identify. He had some crosses on his arms, that's how he was identified because he didn't have any identification. It feels like it's been an eternity, and they initially did not find the car."
Just this week, Jeter's rental car was located near where his body was found.
Smith says it took the State Patrol dive team two dive attempts over the course of three days to find the jeep, which was pulled from the river Tuesday morning with no visible damage to it.
"Not knowing what happened now [and] finding the car almost a week later, it just kind of reopens the wounds every single time something's new," Smith said. "But unfortunately, even to this point, we don't have any answers."
While the GBI has conducted an autopsy that found no apparent injuries, Smith says the family has not yet received the results of additional forensic tests.
But now that her nephew's body is being released, Smith says the family will begin the process of honoring him.
Jeter was the youngest of six; some of his siblings currently serve in the military as well. Smith says Jeter was in the Navy for 3 years, just returning from a station in Japan.
Jeter recently received the excellence coin from his commander, highlighting his integrity and love for the Navy. Smith says he will be remembered as a loving, funny fashionista.
While it's still unclear what happened to Jeter, Smith says the family is thankful for his story being shared.
"We appreciate your support. It took us so many days to get the word out there, but now once it was released, it's just been amazing," Smith said. "He loved his country, he loved what he did and it showed."
Smith says the family will be planning a military-style service for him in the coming days.
They're asking for the public to report any tips to GBI Crimestoppers as the investigation continues.
You can contact the GBI regional office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or share tips anonymously to the GBI's tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS.