GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County family is grieving after discovering their 16-year-old daughter dead in the woods near their Loganville home.
Mia Campos, who was seven months pregnant, was found on Sunday, July 15. Gwinnett County Police Department has taken her ex-boyfriend into custody for providing false statements to the police about the case.
Police located Mia by tracking her phone, finding her lying face down in the woods. The family had been eagerly awaiting the birth of her baby boy, who was due in September. Her parents, Miriam Zarate and Eduardo Campos, expressed their devastation and confusion over the tragedy. Mia was their youngest of five children.
“She loved to dance,” her mother said, reflecting on Mia’s vibrant personality. The family named her unborn baby Sebastian. They found her body just two minutes from their home. Miriam recalled finding Mia's body swollen, cold and purple, with her hand on her belly confirming their worst fears.
A video obtained by 11Alive shows Mia leaving her house shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. Her father, Eduardo Campos, tearfully expressed gratitude for finding her daughter despite the heartbreaking circumstances. “Thank you, God, for letting me find my daughter. When I saw her, I was like, 'They killed my baby.'”
Gwinnett police are still investigating the circumstances of Mia’s death. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, prompting investigators to focus on her ex-boyfriend, who was arrested two days later. While he remains in jail without bond, Mia's parents demand justice.
“If he’s guilty, I’m gonna make sure that he’s guilty,” Eduardo Campos said.
Police have not disclosed specific details about the ongoing investigation but indicated that the incident appears to involve only Mia and the person in custody. Authorities are still working to determine how and why Mia was killed, with additional charges possible.
The Campos family is preparing to hold a funeral service for Mia and baby Sebastian on Monday. Gwinnett County Police urge anyone with information about the case to contact them at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can remain anonymous by reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or visiting their website. Those who provide information leading to an arrest or indictment may receive a cash reward.