Phoenix police identify man's body found adjacent to roadway

PHOENIX (AP) -- Authorities say they've identified a dead body found adjacent to a Phoenix roadway and are looking for the victim's associate.

Phoenix police say the body of 18-year-old Kemont Karim was discovered about 7 a.m. Monday near 44th Avenue and Roosevelt.

They say Karim was pronounced dead at the scene of apparent gunshot injuries, but the cause of death has yet to be determined.

Police detectives say they're investigating the case as a homicide.

"Investigators have determined that Karim was last known to be with another man, identified as 21-year-old Noe Hernandez. Neither Hernandez nor his vehicle, a 2004 Pontiac Aztec, have been heard from or seen since," stated Sgt. Jonathan Howard of the Phoenix Police Department.

Police say investigators are concerned for the welfare of the man and want to talk to him about any events preceding Karim's death.