Left and Center: Jayson circa, 1983
Right: Age Progressed to age 32
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: April 18, 1983
Missing From: Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date Of Birth: January 12, 1982
Age: 1 year old
Height and Weight: 3’0″ and 20 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Sandy hair, Green eyes
NCMEC Number: 744058
Details of Disappearance
Jayson was allegedly abducted by his non-custodial stepfather, John Grooms, from his home in Phoenix, Arizona on April 18th 1983.
Jaysons mother, Napoleon, was arrested in April for driving while being intoxicated. She was sentenced to 10 days in prison. She had previously been arrested in March of 1983 for the same offense, Jayson was in her car at that time. When she returned home, she discovered that both Grooms and Jayson were missing.
Grooms left a note which said “You are an unfit parent. Michael is only 6 years old and he is lying just like you. If it is possible, I will see that Jayson doesn’t turn out like that. Believe me, Jayson is safe and being well cared for. I wish I could have done the same for Michael”. Michael is Jayson’s older brother.
John wrote to other people and said that Napoleon was a bad mother and that he had given Jayson to a new family who would care for him and allow him to grow in a normal, happy environment. The family practiced the religion of Quaker.
John was indicted on charges of felony custodial interference. He was located in Durango, Colorado in January of 1984 and was arrested. Jayson was not with him and he refused to name where he was or the people he might have given Jayson to.
He was sentenced to a maximum term of 1.8 years in prison for aggravated custodial interference. His sentence was later reduced to 1.5 years on appeal. He served 8 months in prison before being released. He refuses to cooperate in his stepsons case and won’t admit to abducting him. John was allegedly abusive towards both Jayson and Michael and Napoleon who said she was deathly afraid of him.
Jayson’s disappearance remains unsolved and his current whereabouts are a mystery.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Phoenix Police Department 602-262-7351
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The Arizona Republic 10/05/1990