Philadelphia authorities and the Black And Missing Foundation are searching for 18-year-old Jahmez Cartwright, who disappeared after leaving for school on Jan. 12. His phone pinged in San Diego on Jan. 13, raising questions about how he traveled so far without identification. Family members say Cartwright has an intellectual disability and may have been contacted and possibly lured by an older man through Roblox. Roblox says it has contacted law enforcement and is cooperating while the investigation continues.
Missing 18-Year-Old May Have Been Lured Via Roblox — Family, Authorities Search for Jahmez Cartwright
Black And Missing FoundationJahmez Cartwright.
A search is underway for 18-year-old Jahmez Cartwright, who has been missing since Monday, Jan. 12. Philadelphia police and the Black And Missing Foundation (BAMFI) are assisting the family after Cartwright left for school that morning and never returned.
Details of the Disappearance
According to the Philadelphia Police Department and BAMFI, Cartwright was last seen at about 7 a.m. on the 6500 block of Linmore Avenue. His family reported that his phone pinged in San Diego on Tuesday, Jan. 13 — a location the family says is unexpected given Cartwright has "never been outside" Philadelphia.
Possible Online Contact
BAMFI said evidence suggests Cartwright may have had contact with an older man through the online gaming platform Roblox and may have been lured online. Family members say Cartwright has an intellectual disability and may be particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
"How did he get there? He don't have ID. Did someone take him?" — LaShante Crocker, Cartwright's mother, to WPVI.
Response From Roblox
Roblox issued a statement saying the company was "troubled by this report" and that it promptly contacted law enforcement to offer assistance. The company noted that its platform includes safety measures such as filters to block sharing of personal information and restrictions on user-to-user image and video sharing, but said it could not comment further because the matter is under investigation.
How You Can Help
Authorities and BAMFI have provided a physical description to aid the search: Cartwright is about 5-foot-7 and roughly 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black coat and white Rick Owens shoes.
If you have information: Contact Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183 or the Black And Missing Foundation at 877-972-2634.
The investigation remains active and law enforcement continues to work with the family and BAMFI as they follow leads.
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