The Lawrence County District Attorney said the protests were a very large distraction for the police department's investigation into Amari Wise's disappearance, which would later turn into a homicide investigation.

At a news conference Tuesday, Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa said police officers were facing some very extreme circumstances they don't normally face in most cases, and they fought through it. 

"A lot of the things that were occurring in the general public in regard to the protests, the Facebook campaigns that were going on. It all ended up being a very large distraction, but the detective bureau for the New Castle City Police Department kept their heads on their shoulders. They were squared away, and they did their job."

As the district attorney said, the case drew immense interest from the public. As police were trying to execute a search warrant at a home last Tuesday, protesters gathered outside wanting answers about Wise's whereabouts. 

Lamancusa said the work of the department led to homicide charges even when they didn't have a body. 

Charges have since been filed against 20-year-old Connor Henry and his father 47-year-old Todd Henry. They were both taken into custody after a manhunt over the weekend. Connor faces charges of criminal homicide and tampering with evidence, while Todd faces charges of criminal conspiracy to commit homicide (after the fact), obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence.

New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem also addressed some false rumors and conspiracy theories that were going around and said he understands the community wants answers, but they will never give out information that compromises the investigation. 

On Monday, officials found Wise's body on Pennsylvania Avenue in Shenango Township between the road and a creek. 

Wise's death was ruled a homicide. He died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. 

Police believe Connor shot Wise and Todd is accused of cleaning the crime scene and getting rid of the body. 

Connor and Todd are jailed without bond.

Officials found Connor in Maryland, and they anticipate he'll be back in Lawrence County this week.