BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — The 22-year-old man arrested in connection with the death of 27-year-old Jontae Lee has been released while prosecutors await a complete autopsy report, according to the Brooklyn Park Police Department.

The man was arrested after Lee’s body was recovered last week from a retaining pond in Brooklyn Park nearly three months after he was reported missing.

Lee was last seen on March 10. Police said that around midnight, officers responded to the intersection of 70th and Maryland Avenues North for a report of a disturbance involving Lee and his friend. Lee had walked away from that scene, police said, but was reported missing after not returning home. 

In a press release, police said they began extensive search efforts in the area with the help of multiple agencies, including the BCA. Lee’s body was discovered in a drainage pond on May 26, about a mile away from his family home.

Lee’s mother, Casophia Tyus, and brother, Kamarri Lee, said the family spent the past months struggling to get answers from the Brooklyn Park Police Department about Lee’s disappearance and death. The family described their interactions with investigators as a “cat and mouse” process marked by frustration and limited communication. “It was torture going through this, not knowing where he’s at,” Tyus said. “And my son was right there the whole time.”

“It makes it even more upsetting knowing that we’ve drove by here every day, and that’s just where my brother’s been laying, and now we can’t give him a proper burial,” Kamarri said.

Brooklyn Park police said investigators worked extensively to locate Lee and identify the person responsible. The department said search efforts included the use of canines, specialized drones, interviews and cell phone data analysis.

But Lee’s family said they believe authorities failed to act with urgency. They said Lee had been battling alcohol addiction and that the family had previously sought help from authorities on his behalf.

“It seems like a lack of urgency, and a lack of compassion, and a lack of care,” Kamarri said.