Jonathan Edward Hagans

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

The Charley Project

The Doe Network

NamUs

People News