July 11, 2008 Family grieves as Jimenez body is found in Iraq Play video

(Latoyia Edwards, NECN: Lawrence, MA) - The body of Alex Jimenez, a Lawrence soldier who was kidnapped more than a year ago, has been found in Iraq.

Jimenez's father, Ramon, said he was notified by the Army Thursday that his son's body was found two days ago.

The body was identified through dental records. Personal items were also found with the body.

Jimenez's mother Maria Duran lives in Queens, N.Y. Jimenez, 26, and two other soldiers were kidnapped on May 12, 2007 after their unit was ambushed. Five of the soldiers were shot and killed during the ambush.

Family and friends still held out hope, since the IDs of Jimenez and another soldier were found in a Northern safe house in Iraq.

Funeral plans have not been made, but the city of Lawrence is planning a memorial to their fallen hero.