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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Authorities are seeking information about the disappearance of Huntsville real estate agent Ronald Dumas, last heard from on Sunday, Dec. 15.
The family of Ronald Dumas has announced a reward of $2,500 for tips leading to the whereabouts of Dumas.
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 2012 Hyundai Palisade belonging to Dumas was found nearly two hours away in Benton County, Tenn. between 6-7am on Monday Dec. 16th. His SUV 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.
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 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.
