Left: Leon circa, 1985
Right: Age Progressed to age 19
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: December 15, 1985
Missing From: Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: October 25, 1984
Age: 11 months old
Height and Weight: 2’2″ and 24 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: African American Male, Black hair, Brown eyes, Leon might use the aliases of “Leon Smith” or “Junior Lee Hall”
NCMEC Number: 976035
Details of Disappearance
Leon was last seen in Brooklyn, New York on December 15th 1985. He was last seen at the New Temple Mount Zion Christ Church in the 1600 block of Nostrand Avenue. Leon was last known to be in the company of his non-custodial father, Junior Lee Smith, and his paternal grandmother, Merline Wright.
Junior was born in July 4th 1966 making home 19 years old when he abducted his son. Smith and Wright were eventually located without the child and have refused to divulge his whereabouts. Smith would eventually admit to disposing of Leon’s body but no charges were filed against him in his sons disappearance.
Smith would later be arrested and incarcerated twice for burglary and robbery. Leon’s body has not been found. It’s also possible that Leon is alive and still in the New York City area with friends or family of Smith. His disappearance remains unsolved and foul play is suspected.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
New York City Police Department 212-473-2042
Source Information
New York State Missing and Exploited Children