Left and Center: Jamel circa, 1994
Right: Age Progressed to age 27
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: May 25, 1994
Missing From: Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: August 3, 1990
Age: 3 years old
Height and Weight: 3’0″ and 30 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Biracial Male; Jamel is Caucasian and African American, Blonde hair, Blue eyes
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A blue t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and blue sneakers
NCMEC Number: 790938
Details of Disappearance
Jamel was last seen in Toledo, Ohio on May 25th 1994. His mother, Kelly Williams, stated she last saw her son at approximately 11:00 am while he played on the rear steps of their apartment at Weiler Homes located on the east side of Toledo. Kelly claimed she left the child alone for approximately five minutes and when she returned, Jamel was gone. He has never been seen or heard from since.
Investigators were unsure of what happened to the child. They considered the possibility that he was abducted by a stranger from outside his apartment. In fact, some missing children agencies continue to list him as a non-family abduction. However, investigators have found no evidence that Jamel was taken by someone he didn’t know.
The focus of the investigation was on Jamel’s mother and her live in boyfriend, Gary Thomas. They both later married after Jamel went missing and have since divorced. Authorities have pointed out that both Kelly and Gary have been uncooperative in the investigation and even refused to provide a DNA sample in case human remains were found that could match the child.
Investigators have found no evidence that Jamel even lived at the supposed apartment he allegedly disappeared from. Kelly moves into the apartment on April 15th 1994, more than a month before Jamel went missing. No one else at the housing project reported ever seeing Jamel after that date. His mother and her boyfriend claimed they refused to send in a sample as they resented being treated as suspects.
A month after Jamel went missing, Gary’s cousin presses charges against him for domestic violence, aggravated menacing, criminal trespass, and criminal damaging. She stated that Gary became violent after she brought up Jamel’s disappearance to him. Gary has denied any knowledge of the child’s disappearance. Kelly has defended him and said he was good to Jamel before his disappearance.
Jamel remains missing and his case remains unsolved. Foul play is possible.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Toledo Police Department 419-245-3129
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse
The Akron Beacon Journal 05/27/1994
The Akron Beacon Journal 05/26/1995