Wow- Sheriff’s office posted.
This does not sound good. My questions:
1. Family waited 3 cays to report him missing. Why? Fear of something, or maybe him being gone is not unexpected?
2. How long have other agencies been involved?

MISSING JUVENILE - PLEASE SHARE
Rowan County Sheriff's Office Searching for Runaway Juvenile
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (January 18, 2026) – Investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office are currently working to determine the whereabouts of a 13-year-old runaway juvenile.
On December 29, 2025, deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Sylvan Road in reference to a missing person. It was reported to deputies, that 13-year-old Johnathan Morales had left home on December 26, 2025, three days prior, and had not returned.
Early into the investigation, investigators received information that Johnathan had spoken to a friend and told him that he was in the Gastonia area, but did not say where or who he was with. Investigators have been unable to determine the identity of anyone in Gastonia that Johnathan may know or be acquainted with.
Investigators are actively working to determine Johnathan’s whereabouts and have enlisted the assistance of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other local agencies to help locate him.
We have included the most recent photograph that we have of Johnathan. If you have seen Johnathan, know where he is, or have any information of where he may be you are asked to contact Detective Bare at 704-216-8700 or you can contact Rowan County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.
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No comments allowed on their post either. Strange.