Arizona – Jesse Wilson, a ten-year-old from Buckeye, Arizona, has been missing since July 17. His search continues.

Crystal Wilson called the Buckeye Police Department’s general number on July 18th at 1:41 am to denounce the disappearance of her son, Jesse Wilson. Since then, the city has been searching for the ten-year-old boy, even using drones in the process.

 Jesse Wilson, a ten-year-old from Buckeye, Arizona, has been missing since July 17. Photo credit: KPHO/ KTVK / CBS 5 AZ
Jesse Wilson, a ten-year-old from Buckeye, Arizona, has been missing since July 17. Photo credit: KPHO/ KTVK / CBS 5 AZ

However, many have criticized Mrs. Wilson reaction concerning her son disappearance, starting with the fact that she did not call 911. She waited four days to do an interview and even sending her child’s dog away, claiming she “couldn’t stand to look at the dog” without her son being there.

Mrs. Wilson has stated she left her son in his bedroom on Sunday night, and after a few hours, he was not longer there. She has also said this is not the first time Jesse slipped out of the house.

Mrs. Wilson claimed that several months ago Jesse left home after having sneaked out of his second-floor bedroom window. He was found hours later by a police officer who returned the boy at 4 am.

The family used to live in Avondale, closer to the Bradley Academy of Excellence, Jesse’s school, which is located in Goodyear. When they moved to Buckeye earlier this year, Jesse continued to go to school there. He took the bus every day for the 16 miles trip.

Police have stated they have “hundreds of leads” to investigate regarding Jesse’s whereabouts. Most of these leads have not been reported to the authorities, but posted on Facebook instead, which means that by the time police can respond to these social media tips, the tip itself has become obsolete.

In the last couple of days, the FBI has joined the search, and police officers have confirmed foul play has not been ruled out regarding the disappearance. ,

Bradley Academy is holding an appreciation night for those who are volunteering in looking for the child tonight at 7 pm. One hour later an event called “Light up the Night” will start. In cars decorated with yellow ribbons, parents, friends, family and community members will drive the path from the Holiday Inn Express in Buckeye to Bradley Academy.

Food and refreshments will be available at 16060 W. Lower Buckeye Parkway, Goodyear, AZ, 85338. The school will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until Jesse is found.

Jesse Wilson is described as a male, African-American, 4 feet tall and weighing 60 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, unknown color shorts, black socks and black shoes. Police also say he has no known medical conditions. If you have seen or know where Jesse Wilson is, please contact the Buckeye Police Department at 623-349-6400.

A National Problem

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an approximately 800,000 children are reported missing each year only in the United States. This means 2,000 goes missing on a daily basis.

Organizations like The Children Crisis Network offer support to parents of missing children, through services such as poster distribution, and travel reunification.

Source: The Arizona Republic