The body of missing 22-year-old Hassan “AJ” Aino, of Morgantown, was discovered by a hunter in Garrett County, Md., on Friday morning, according to the Maryland State Police.
The hunter found Aino about half a mile from the nearest road in a heavily wooded area near a swamp, the state police said.
Aino was reported missing by his family on Oct. 25. On Oct. 22, a hunter found Aino’s car with a broken window near Lower New Germany Road.
Officials and volunteers, including cadaver dogs, conducted multiple searches over two days, covering more than 130 acres.
Aino’s body was found outside of that search area, an estimated half-mile from his car, according to state police.
Investigators saw what appeared to be a gunshot wound to Aino’s head. A .40 caliber pistol, half-empty whisky bottle and bag of suspected marijuana were found next to his body.
The Maryland State Police confirmed the handgun they found was legally purchased by Aino about a month ago in West Virginia.
Aino’s body was sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Balitmore for an autopsy. The handgun and other items from the scene were sent to a lab for analysis and the investigation is ongoing, state police said.
A Gofundme to help Aino’s family with expenses from missed work during the search and funeral costs has raised $6,950 as of Monday evening.
“Wanna thank everyone for the love and support we are receiving,” Dwight White, Aino’s father posted on Facebook. “And the donations are a blessing also.”
Morgantown Communications Director Andrew Stacy said Maryland State Police have taken the lead in the case.
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