Authorities investigate 2 bodies found in fields

WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are conducting a death investigation after two bodies were discovered near each other in two separate fields.

Miami-Dade detectives were canvassing the area of Northwest 25th Street and 137th Avenue in West Miami-Dade on Monday when they discovered two dead bodies in separate fields, near the intersection.

On Sunday, a missing persons report involving two people was filed, prompting police to conduct the search. "This began yesterday as a missing persons investigation," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Roy Rutland.

Police said, both family members of the two missing people and witnesses led authorities to the area. The first body was found in a field on the south side of Northwest 25th Street. The second body was found approximately 100 yards north, on the other side of the road, in an adjacent field. "The search yielded two different bodies," said Rutland. "One is located on one side of the street, and the other is located in about two to three feet of water."

Authorities have not released the genders or ages of the victims, as well as if foul played was involved.

The cause of the deaths remains unknown. It is also unknown if the two bodies belong to the missing persons, but, police said, there are similarities between the missing persons case and the bodies found. "We're not making the connection between that missing persons case and the individuals that were found here," said Rutland. "Obviously, there are some similarities, but it will take us some time to piece this together."

Some of the relatives of the missing persons were also at the scene where the bodies were discovered, wishing and praying for good news. "That's what our hopes and our hope is not them," said Marie Fernandez, a family friend, "that it's not the kids that we think it is and that they're still alive and well, and they can be joined with the family."

Police remained on the scene until after dark.

The bodies have been taken to the Medical Examiner's Office where autopsies and identifications will be performed.

Authorities continue to investigate.

If you have any information on the two victims, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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