The body believed to be that of a missing Stamford man was found Wednesday in a shallow grave in New Jersey.

Police say their investigation began when Joseph Comunale was reported missing after a night out in Manhattan. Stamford police are working with the NYPD in the case.

Sources tell sister site News 12 New Jersey that Comunale's body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in Oceanport, New Jersey. The 26-year-old was a graduate of Westhill High School and of Hofstra University on Long Island.

Comunale vanished Sunday morning after going to a party at an apartment building on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Stamford police say Comunale separated from his friends before going to that party.

He was seen on surveillance video going into the building, but was apparently never seen coming out.

Pat Comunale, the victim's father, says his son was loved by many, which was made clear by how many people joined him outside his home. He also thanked all law enforcement that worked on the case.

Authorities say one person was arrested on a charge unrelated to the case.