Missing man with suspected gang ties found dead in forest preserve near Wayne

The body of a gunshot victim found late Thursday morning in a DuPage County forest preserve has been identified as a Round Lake Park man who went missing in late January.

Round Lake Park Police Chief Daniel Burch confirmed Francisco "Frankie" Zavala, 26, was found in the Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve near Wayne.

Zavala's body was discovered off Munger Road around 11:45 a.m. by someone from a nearby horse stable, according to a news release from the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

Burch said the man was last seen boarding a Chicago-bound Metra train at the Round Lake station on the morning of Jan. 29. Police believe he was either going to Chicago or to visit friends in Indiana.

Zavala's family reported him missing on Feb. 7.

Authorities say the body, which had gunshot wounds, was located less than 30 feet from the side of a road. There were fresh tire tracks nearby.

Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson said the victim had "suspected gang affiliations."

The forest preserve police are in charge of the investigation. But Burch said Round Lake Park police are working with the forest preserve district investigators. The DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigation Team also is assisting the investigation.