|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (BFMG) — Over 45 volunteers from across the Southeast, along with the family of missing Huntsville realtor Ronald Dumas Jr., coordinated an independent search effort on Sunday, December 29, for almost 12 hours in and around Camden, Tennessee. The search, which spanned multiple points of interest, was aimed at finding clues related to the father of three who was last seen on Sunday December 15, 2024 in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. WBBJ-TV was on scene with the group.
Volunteers divided into three groups. One group remained in Huntsville, searching areas and distributing flyers along HWY-53 to raise awareness, while the two other groups concentrated their efforts along I-40 W in Tennessee. The location where Dumas’ unoccupied vehicle was found along with the last known ping location of his cellphone were two primary areas of focus in Tennessee. The extensive search near Exit 133 covered multiple areas and various terrains along the Tennessee River including under the bridge, along the riverbanks, and water searches in the river and around the shoreline. Volunteers searched primarily on foot and with the assistance of an ATV.
Despite lack of significant breaks in the case, the search provided the family with a sense of purpose, as they were able to actively contribute to the ongoing investigation into his disappearance.
The disappearance of Ronnie has raised alarms for many who know and love him, particularly given the fact that it is entirely out of character for him to leave with no contact. As an active father who is a staple in the lives of his children, his absence over the holidays has heightened concerns about his current well-being. His family is desperate for answers and continues to search for any leads that might help locate him. They have increased the reward for information to $4,500.00 in tips leading to Ronald’s whereabouts.
If you were with or in contact with Ronald Dumas Jr. on Sunday December 15, 2024, in any capacity, you are urged to contact crimedesk.tips or call 256-254-4240 and you can continue to remain anonymous.
The family remains hopeful that search efforts like this in addition to distributing posters will lead to clues in Ronald’s safe return or pressure those who may know something to come forward. Into week three of his disappearance, the family remains to have faith in the Huntsville Police Department and their quest for answers.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (BFMG) — The family of missing Alabama realtor and dedicated father of three, Ronnie Dumas, is organizing a strategic search on Sunday, Dec. 29 in Tennessee and are seeking community volunteers to assist. A $2500 reward has also been announced for tips leading to his whereabouts by his family, as Huntsville Police Department continues to ask for tips in the case of his mysterious disappearance.
The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) announced Monday that a missing persons report was filed for Dumas on Dec. 17, two days after he was last known to be in contact with anyone. Police say Dumas was on a phone call around 10 p.m. on Dec. 15, during which he was believed to be out with others possibly in downtown Huntsville. However, investigators have been unable to confirm who he was with that night and are asking the public for assistance.
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade belonging to Dumas was found nearly two hours away in Benton County, Tenn. between 6-7am on Monday Dec. 16th. His SUV bearing AL tag 47AUW1E was reportedly abandoned and obstructing the flow of traffic to the left lane along I-40 at mile marker 133. Tennessee Highway Patrol impounded the vehicle upon discovery.
Authorities say they currently have no evidence to indicate whether Dumas is in danger, but his family insists this is out of character and there is absolutely no way Ronnie would abandon his children whom he centers his world around.
Dumas’ family stated he was possibly last seen wearing a dark sweater and a black peacoat and black Polo boots. The Huntsville Police Department is urging anyone who was with Dumas on Dec. 15 or who has any information about who he was with or his whereabouts to contact them.
Timeline of Events
Authorities have provided a detailed timeline of key developments in the case:
- Dec. 16: Dumas’ vehicle was found abandoned near mile marker 133 on Interstate 40 in Camden, Tenn. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) impounded the car after receiving reports of the unattended vehicle. The car was unoccupied at the time.
- Dec. 17: Dumas was officially reported missing to HPD. Investigators attempted to contact his phone numbers but found the phones were turned off.
- Dec. 18: THP learned the impounded vehicle was connected to a missing persons case. Troopers searched the area near mile marker 133 on foot but found no sign of Dumas.
- Dec. 19: HPD continued gathering information, including submitting requests to Dumas’ cell service providers for location history data.
- Dec. 20: HPD investigators traveled to Camden to survey the area where the vehicle was found and examine the car. THP deployed a helicopter, additional troopers, and two Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents to assist with the search.
- Dec. 24: Family announces $2500 reward for tips leading to Dumas' whereabouts
- Dec. 26: Dumas was entered into ALEA's "Missing Persons" database
According to location data obtained from Dumas’ cell phone, the phone was traveling west on I-40 past mile marker 133 at 6:08 a.m. on Dec. 16. This detail has led investigators to consider the possibility that Dumas may have been picked up by another motorist or was being followed WAFF reported.
Family Raises Concerns
Despite police statements that there is “no driving force” to suggest Dumas is the victim of a crime, his family remains unconvinced.
“I don’t understand why they’re under the impression he just walked away,” said Talia Berryhill, the mother of Dumas’ children. “Ronnie doesn’t walk away from family. That is not who he is. Something is wrong, and I need them to become serious about this.”
Investigators with the Huntsville Police Department who is leading this case has reassured the family that they are taking this case seriously and the investigation is both ongoing and active at this time.
Reporting Tips
HPD has urged anyone who was with Dumas on the night of Dec. 15 or who may have seen him to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Huntsville Police Department immediately.
Report tips at www.crimedesk.tips or by calling +1-256-254-4240
As the search for Dumas continues, his loved ones are left with unanswered questions and mounting concerns about his safety. Please consider sharing this story to your social media To help bring “Ronnie” home or consider giving through the GoFundMe setup by the family. To learn more, view the media playlist.
