Left and Center: Rogelio circa, 1975
Right: Age Progressed to age 50
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: June 29, 1975
Missing From: Bay City, Matagorda County, Texas
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: December 24, 1959
Age: 15 years old
Height and Weight: 5’10” and 170 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Hispanic Male, Black hair, Brown eyes, Rogelio suffers from sinus problems that he had to be hospitalized for prior to his disappearance, he has a scar on the bridge of his nose and a dark colored birthmark on the back of his left ankle, he may use the nicknames “Roger” or “Junior” and his legal name is “Jesus Rogelio Realme Cerda”, Rogelio speaks Spanish as well as English
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A pair of cut off jeans and a pinkie ring with the word love on it
NCMEC Number: 600717
Details of Disappearance
Rogelio was last seen in Bay City, Texas while on a fishing trip along with his girlfriend, Betty Jean Witherspoon, and other acquaintances on June 29th 1975. He was also with Anna Ayla, Anna’s parents, her uncle as well as her boyfriend, Nick Diaz, and his sister.
They told Rogelio’s parents that they were going to Corpus Christi, Texas but instead went to Bay City. Rogelio lived with his parents and sister in the 3500 block of West Woodlawn Avenue in San Antonio at the time of his 1975 disappearance. His parents were unaware of the change of plans. This was reportedly uncharacteristic of him.
According to Betty and Anna, they were swimming with Rogelio off Matagorda Beach when they were swept about 300 yards offshore and caught in an undertow. Anna and Betty were rescued but Rogelio vanished. He was never seen again. Extensive searches of the water turned up no sign of him.
Authorities believe that Rogelio drowned and his body was swept out to sea. His family keeps hope that he survived. His sister and mother believe that Rogelio may have swam to land somewhere else and left on his own accord or that he suffered an amnesia attack and doesn’t remember his name or identity.
Rogelio has a bad relationship with his father and this may have been a possible reason for him to run off. His father committed suicide a year after Rogelio’s disappearance.
There were reported sightings of Rogelio in the local area after his disappearance. The family also reportedly got strange calls after. They would sometimes hear music and sometimes hear someone trying to talk. They believe Rogelio placed these calls.
At the time of his disappearance, Rogelio had a full time job at Amigos Food Co. and was learning how to drive. He had completed his freshman year at Central Catholic High School prior to his disappearance.
Rogelio’s case remains unsolved. His family believes he ran away.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Matagorda Sheriffs Office 409-245-5526
Source Information