Left: Jonathan circa, 1968
Right: Age Progressed to age 51
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: June 11, 1968
Missing From: Jacksonville Beach, Duval County, Florida
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: May 3, 1965
Age: 3 years old
Height and Weight: 3’2″ and 35 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Blonde hair, Blue eyes, Jonathan has previously fractured his femur; it’s not stated which one
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A pair of blue swimming trunks with a red stripe
NCMEC Number: 719392
Details of Disappearance
Jonathan was last seen in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on June 11th 1968. He was at a family gathering that day and was last seen following his father to the snack bar by witnesses. He was never seen or heard from again after that.
Investigators conducted various searches for the child but no trace of him was ever found. They initially concluded that Jonathan wandered into the ocean and drowned. His family does not believe he drowned or that he is deceased.
Jonathan’s mother believes he was abducted by man and a woman who were seen standing outside of the bar that day. The individuals have not been identified and it’s unknown if they were in fact involved in his case.
In 1989, a man came forward and claimed that he was Jonathan. He claimed that he was abducted by a Rumanian woman and was raised in isolation in the state of Louisiana. He claimed this woman sexually abused him and held him captive in a swamp. He claimed that he ran away from Rita when he was 13 or 14 years of age.
A DNA test proved that the man was not Jonathan but a con man named, David Bonnabel. After his revelation, he claimed that Rita did in fact kidnap Jonathan and him and held them both captive. They were forced to work in a baby selling ring. David claimed that Jonathan attempted to escape one day and was probably killed by Rita.
David is not believed to be credible. He was a Mexican immigrant and was trampling to find an American family to adopt him so that his citizenship would be legalized. He is not believed to know who Jonathan was.
Jonathan has never been found. His family believes he was abducted and is still alive. His case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Jacksonville Beach Police Department 904-630-0500
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children