Death of Cudahy teen found in Sheridan Park remains a mystery

CUDAHY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It’s now been more than a month since a Cudahy teen was reported missing and then found dead a few days later in a park, and many questions still remain about what led up to his death.

18-year-old Brandon Viola’s body was found in Sheridan Park on May 2.

Police are still investigating, but Brandon’s mother believes someone who was in that park that day knows something.

“Please just come forward and be honest as to what happened, even if it was an accident,” Chris Viola said. “I just need someone to tell the truth.”

On April 29 Brandon never came home.

“None of his friends knew where he was, so I knew something was wrong,” Chris said.

Three days later police found Brandon’s body in Sheridan Park near the shoreline.

“There was foul play I believe,” his mother said. “There’s no proof at the moment, but there’s been a lot of talk of foul play, and a healthy 18-year-old doesn’t just fall down and die.”

The cause of death still hasn’t been determined. Chris said she doesn’t believe drugs or alcohol were involved.

Brandon was just weeks away from graduating from Cudahy High School.

“He was a really good kid, very generous,” his mother said. “He had a heart of gold. He would befriend everybody that felt out of place or awkward.”

Cudahy Police are waiting for the results of the medical examiner’s toxicology report. They say they interviewed “everyone involved” and “no arrests have been made yet.”

“I just wish I had some answers,” Chris said. “It’s not like it would change anything. It’s not going to bring him back, but the thought of not knowing is going to haunt me for the rest of my life.”

The Medical Examiner says the toxicology results should be in by July.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up to help Brandon's family with the burial costs.