Left and Center: Jeremy circa, 1985
Right: Age Progressed to age 34
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: November 22, 1985
Missing From: North Augusta, Aiken County, South Carolina
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date Of Birth: May 12, 1981
Age: 4 years old
Height and Weight: 3’9″ and 40 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Blonde hair, Hazel eyes, Jeremy has moles located on his scalp and the rear of his left earlobe, he may use the nickname “Chris”
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A t-shirt, possibly pajamas or a pair of jeans
NCMEC Number: 601591
Details of Disappearance
James Grice was last seen in North Augusta, South Carolina on November 22nd 1985. He lived in a mobile home on Miller Street in the Bath area of North Augusta, South Carolina at the time. He lived with his mother and stepfather at the home.
On the morning of his disappearance, Jeremy’s mother checked his bedroom just before she left for work. While she didn’t actually see him, she did note that the covers were pulled up and assumed he was still sleeping. A neighbor reportedly saw Jeremy with his bicycle standing near a mailbox. He appeared to be waiting for the bus but he didn’t have school that day.
Jeremy was never seen or heard from again. His disappearance was not noticed until 10:00 am. His stepfather was watching him since his mother left the residence and didn’t hear or see anything suspicious. The weather that day was rainy and cold.
Extensive searches done for Jeremy uncovered no trace of him. Investigators drained two local ponds in the search but he was not found. Authorities are certain that Jeremy was abducted by a non family member that day.
William Ernest Downs is considered a possible suspect in Jeremy’s disappearance. He is also a possible suspect in the 1994 murder of Tiffany Nelson who went missing on June 6th 1994. Her remains were found in 2005.
William raped and murdered 10 year old James Porter in Augusta on March 14th 1991. His body was later found in the Savannah River. On April 17th 1999, he kidnapped, raped, and murdered Keenan O’Mailia. Keenans body was found in a wooded area by searchers a day later. William was executed in 2006.
William denied knowing anything about Tiffany or Jeremy and he would’ve been a teenager when Jeremy was abducted. He was never charged in connection to the two cases.
Jeremy remains missing. His family believes he was abducted by someone from the local neighborhood and do not believe that he wandered away from home. His case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Aiken County Sheriffs Office 803-642-1761
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children