The Missing – A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls – Issue #31

February 18, 2009

The Mysterious Disappearance of Jarrod Johnston

In this week's edition of "The Missing," we revisit the case of 18-year-old Jarrod Duke Johnston, an endangered and missing adult who was last seen in Yazoo City, Mississippi, in July 2007.

"He left his new home in Kentucky with his grandmother on the weekend of July 4, 2007, to visit some friends in Mississippi," Jarrod's father, Stephen Johnston, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "He stayed with his friends for a couple days and then they took him to his grandmother's house. He was going to stay there for a couple of weeks before returning home."

Unfortunately, Jarrod and his grandmother got into a heated argument and he stormed out of her house on July 7, 2007. Jarrod took with him a black duffel bag full of clothing, a walnut-colored Ibanez guitar in a black carrying case and $20 in cash. He has not been seen or heard from since.

"The police have talked to the friends and they've talked to the grandmother, but they were unable to locate him," Stephen said. "Eventually I started receiving ransom demands over the internet, so I got the FBI involved. They determined it was an Internet scam."

Jarrod's profile on MySpace.com was last logged into on the day of his disappearance. Within the profile, Jarrod described his interests and his love of music. His last blog post, posted on Jan. 31, 2007, reads in part:

"Geez life is sad. You ever wake up in the morning and miss there being someone next to you? Someone to hold, someone to love? I do. Name calling, violence, anger - none of that affects me, but love does. I hate it, but I want it at the same time ya know? I've truly been in love one time and she's gone and if I'll ever get her back who knows. The possibility seems so far away, yet so close. I can reach but I can't touch. It's depressing. I want to move out again so I can have a place for her to come to if she wants to, but will she?"

It is apparent by reading the user comments on Jarrod's profile that his friends care about him and are anxious for his return. There is also an indication that some believe he remains missing of his own accord. The most recent comment, left by a female friend on Oct. 24, 2008, reads in part:

"I miss you and I think I know u don't want to be found, but at least let me know your ok."

A profile for Jarrod's band, Only an Atrium, can also be found on MySpace. That profile has not been accessed since May 13, 2007.

Dennis Moulder, the lead detective who is investigating Jarrod's case for the Yazoo County Sheriff's Office, would only speak briefly about the case.

"I can tell you this, we have a new sheriff in this county and he hired me as the chief investigator," Moulder told Investigation Discovery. "We inherited that case. He came up missing in the past administration. I'm a 30 year veteran. I retired from investigations in another county. The sheriff took me out of retirement to help him. I have talked to the family, the grandmother, the grandfather, the FBI, and we're continuing to work on this case."

According to Stephen, he has gotten little cooperation from Moulder.

"He is supposed to be investigating my son's case and I can't even get him to return my phone calls," Stephen said.

Stephen is also angry because law enforcement will not consider the possibility of foul play.

"I don't understand any of this," Stephen said. "The police say they don't suspect foul play and that there is little they can do, but that is the only thing that makes sense. This would not have gone on this long without him making contact. I am his only natural parent. His mother is dead and I know he would reach out to me."

Stephen believes that something happened to his son soon after he left his grandmother's house.

"Highway 61 runs through there and there are back roads for underground folk between Memphis and New Orleans," Stephen said. "He might have gone out there, stuck his thumb out and got picked up by the wrong person."

Unfortunately, this type of heartache is all too familiar to Jarrod's father.

"In 1981, my sister disappeared," Stephen said. "Four months later, a body was found in a water park in Mississippi. My grandmother saw the composite drawing of the victim in the paper and she called my mother. As it turned out, it was my sister. The police ended up catching the killer and he is now serving life in prison."

Stephen tries to remain hopeful, but given his past experiences he can't help but fear the worst.

"Every deer season I hold my breath," Stephen said, referring to the possibility that Jarrod's body could be out there somewhere - as his sisters was - waiting to be found.

In the event Jarrod is alive, Stephen said that he hopes he will decide to come home soon.

"Please call me and let me know you're ok," Stephen said. "We can get past all this. I love you. I just want you home safe."

Jarrod Duke Johnston is described as a white male, 5'11" tall, 155 lbs., with brown eyes and brown hair.  He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt and a red ball cap. He has a capped front tooth and a large birthmark on his abdomen. Anyone with information should contact the Yazoo County Sheriff's Office at 662-746-5611.

For more information or to help, please visit: www.projectjason.org.

Photo Credits: Stephen Johnston

If you are a family member of a missing loved one and have a case you would like covered here, contact me via e-mail. If you are a reader who would like to help, please spread the word about this site so others can find us. The more people who see these stories, the better the chances that someone might come forward with information.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Comments

[pak31]

I remember this case. It really is very sad. This guy is obviously a bit depressed and emotional. 18 is still a very ripe age for many. Without someone to go through it with, can make it very hard. I hope he didn't do anything to harm himself but being gone this long, it makes you wonder. If only people could see that life will get better. Being a teen can be tough and in this day and age, it can be very tough. If he's out there, I hope he sees that people do care and want him back but it's odd that he hasn't made contact for so long. I hope his family will learn the truth soon so they can put their fears to rest.

[stacey c]

That poor g-mom, for him to dissappear after arguing with her. I hope that he is ok and is found. I hope I am not overstepping my bounds here David and commenters but it's the 4th anniversary of a missing couple here in Philly and maybe someone here could help -"This vanishing act is intriguing to say the least. Danielle and Richard, by all accounts, were two grounded people. Both worked and were very close with each other and their families. Each had children of their own whom they cared for very much. Family members and children want answers to some serious questions, and one kindergartner in North Carolina who will eventually have many questions to ask his father. What will he tell him?
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone, call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Citizens Crime Commission Tip Line at 877-345-TIPS or 215-546-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous."

I don't want to send people to other websites from here but if you google Danielle and Richards names you can find out the info on the case.

As always David, thanks for all that you do. Offering prayers to bringing all the missing home

[Briana]

this is a very sad but familier case.We all need to remember that we need to warn our kids and loved ones that there are bad people in this world,no matter how old you are you are at risk of sick disturbed people...God bless the missing...

[Stepen Johnston]

Moulder is quoted, "I have talked to the family, the grandmother, the grandfather, the FBI, and we're continuing to work on this case."
Strange since my dad died 14 months prior to Jarrod's disapperance..