It becomes known soon after homecoming that Bryce hasn't been seen by anybody since that night. A few days later, his body is found in the water by the pier. While Clay appears to be the main suspect due to the threatening texts he'd sent just before Bryce's disappearance, other suspects include Mrs. Baker (who was recently back in Crestmont to close her old house), Bryce's parents (who realise that Bryce knows about his father's love child), Justin (who loves Jess and resents Bryce for raping her), Monty (who was just threatened by Bryce to leave Tyler alone), Tyler (who has access to firearms), and of course Alex and Jess, who are the real culprits.