AMBER ALERT TN - Autistic teen Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, 15, missing in Hendersonville - Feb 27, 2024 #3

[Knox]

https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/missing-teens-father-demands-answers-from-sumner-county-sheriffs-office-for-lack-of-communication/

May 24, 2025


*****
On Friday, May 23, Seth spoke with News 2 at the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office. Frustrated and emotional, he said he feels like he’s carrying the weight of the investigation alone.

“I don’t even know, if a tip comes in, if I shouldn’t track it down because I don’t know if they can do their job properly because so far, they haven’t…Their lack of communication with the public, their lack of communication with me is all telling me that they don’t care that my son is missing,” Seth explained.

*****
Seth told News 2 only one detective is actively assigned to the case, adding that he is often left to chase down the same leads also sent to law enforcement.

*****
More in linked article.

Seth’s feelings are understandable. I can’t imagine being in his shoes, it must feel horrible to not see any visible efforts from LE.

But at the same time, he’s done his share to alienate them. He also seems to put himself on par with the investigators. That’s just not realistic. Hopefully he’s not getting all the same leads LE is receiving.

Instead of standing in front of the department on camera and insulting and accusing them of not working on the case. He should focus his efforts on public events to keep Sebastian’s name in public view. Public resources are limited, that’s a hard reality.

I have a difficult time managing my compassion for someone who is so offensive. But I’m trying.

 

[Tricia]

Seth’s feelings are understandable. I can’t imagine being in his shoes, it must feel horrible to not see any visible efforts from LE.

But at the same time, he’s done his share to alienate them. He also seems to put himself on par with the investigators. That’s just not realistic. Hopefully he’s not getting all the same leads LE is receiving.

Instead of standing in front of the department on camera and insulting and accusing them of not working on the case. He should focus his efforts on public events to keep Sebastian’s name in public view. Public resources are limited, that’s a hard reality.

I have a difficult time managing my compassion for someone who is so offensive. But I’m trying.

Knox, I understand your frustration; however, it is important to keep in mind a few things.
We must remember that Seth was going along in his life, taking care of his son, working a full-time job, when he was suddenly thrust into the national limelight. Nothing prepares you for that.
We must be kind to him and understand that he has a double punch in the gut. His missing son and being pushed into the glare of the national media. His frustration has to come out somehow. While it may not be the best way to handle things, I understand his anger. I understand his lashing out. We must try to let him know that he has support and we feel his pain.
I don't know what the investigators have told him, if anything.
That is what makes cases like Sebastian's frustrating. If LE could learn to let a little bit of info out every so often, then good places like Websleuths can truly help.
I have absolutely no idea what happened to Sebastian. I have no reason not to believe Sebastian's mom. However, there is no evidence he left the house other than what Katie said. Until LE says they don't believe Katie, or there is proof otherwise that she is not telling the truth, I feel I must believe what she said.

 

[Knox]

Knox, I understand your frustration; however, it is important to keep in mind a few things.
We must remember that Seth was going along in his life, taking care of his son, working a full-time job, when he was suddenly thrust into the national limelight. Nothing prepares you for that.
We must be kind to him and understand that he has a double punch in the gut. His missing son and being pushed into the glare of the national media. His frustration has to come out somehow. While it may not be the best way to handle things, I understand his anger. I understand his lashing out. We must try to let him know that he has support and we feel his pain.
I don't know what the investigators have told him, if anything.
That is what makes cases like Sebastian's frustrating. If LE could learn to let a little bit of info out every so often, then good places like Websleuths can truly help.
I have absolutely no idea what happened to Sebastian. I have no reason not to believe Sebastian's mom. However, there is no evidence he left the house other than what Katie said. Until LE says they don't believe Katie, or there is proof otherwise that she is not telling the truth, I feel I must believe what she said.

Tricia, I have far too much respect for you to disagree. Thank you for erring on the side of compassion and understanding in regards to Seth. I’ll try to do the same.

Your last comment is the million dollar question in Sebastian’s disappearance. It’s as if he vanished into thin air. We know however, that’s completely impossible.

 

[arielilane]

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tbi/documents/USTN_ROGERS_SumnerCountySO%20AAUPDATED%202025.pdf

AMBER ALERT

SEBASTIAN WAYNE DRAKE ROGERS

Age: 15

Sex: Male

Race: White

Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 120 lbs.

NCIC: M757753007

Missing From: Sumner County, TN

Reported Missing: February 26, 2024

An AMBER Alert has been issued on behalf of the Sumner County Sheriff's Office for

Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers. Sebastian is a 15-year-old white male, 5'5" tall, 120

lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Sebastian was last seen on February 25, 2024 in

the area of Stafford Court in Hendersonville, TN. Sebastian was last seen wearing a

black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and glasses. Sebastian has a medical condition that

may impair his ability to return safely without assistance. If you have seen Sebastian or

have information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Sumner County

Emergency Communications Center at 615-451-3838 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

 

[arielilane]

New updated flyer.

SEBASTIAN WAYNE DRAKE ROGERS | Federal Bureau of Investigation

February 26, 2024 Hendersonville, Sumner County, Tennessee

www.fbi.gov

 

[teeby]

c) Sebastian made arrangements or came into contact with somebody online: Have all of his devices been checked? How would police not trace that? Did he pick Seb up, or live locally?

MOO.

RS/BBM. If Sebastian had had a burner phone that his parents didn't know about, that he never connected to home wifi, would LE know about this? I'm wondering if he could have arranged to meet someone and taken the second phone with him. It would explain why he left his phone. This is entirely speculation on my part -- I've seen nothing to suggest that he has a secret online life. But a friend of mine works at a high school and he says you'd be surprised which kids have phones their parents don't know about. It's not just the ones with obvious issues. Some of them are the sweet, kind, "good kids".

 

[Beldridge]

RS/BBM. If Sebastian had had a burner phone that his parents didn't know about, that he never connected to home wifi, would LE know about this? I'm wondering if he could have arranged to meet someone and taken the second phone with him. It would explain why he left his phone. This is entirely speculation on my part -- I've seen nothing to suggest that he has a secret online life. But a friend of mine works at a high school and he says you'd be surprised which kids have phones their parents don't know about. It's not just the ones with obvious issues. Some of them are the sweet, kind, "good kids".

In this case with the amount of time that has went by I highly doubt a burner phone is possible or if it was possible, the child was still going somewhere he did not know and with his special condition, this child would have contacted his parents by now, unfortunately. IMO

 

[333_OnlyHalfEvil]

Just learned about this case so I'm not up to speed on it yet.

Do they still believe he left barefooted? Seems like a dog could have tracked him easily enough the next day, unless it rained.

As to the garbage can theory: could they DNA test the can, or would his DNA be all inside of it anyway, since he lived there?

 

[Scatcat]

Everytime i see this thread pop up i hope he's been found.

 

[Amy0077]

Everytime i see this thread pop up i hope he's been found.

Same here. My heart skips a beat with hope and uncertainty.

 

[Tricia]

One of the perks of becoming a Guardian is happening this Saturday, August 16th, from Noon to 8 PM Eastern, when we will have our Zoom call with the mods and the Guardians. It is a blast. You never know what will happen on an 8-hour call.
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See you on Zoom
Tricia
PS. Please don't discuss on this thread. CLICK HERE and post any questions.

 

[abyquinn]

Just learned about this case so I'm not up to speed on it yet.

Do they still believe he left barefooted? Seems like a dog could have tracked him easily enough the next day, unless it rained.

As to the garbage can theory: could they DNA test the can, or would his DNA be all inside of it anyway, since he lived there?

According to his mom, when Sebastian left the house, he did so without his shoes…his mother & biodad had each bought him new shoes in the weeks before he disappeared. His mother disposed of his old shoes, his new shoes were found in the house.

You would think that would’ve made it easier to track him…but, because LE has been very tight lipped about sharing info it’s hard to know what is confirmed & what is rumor; there was talk (by his dad Seth) that a S&R dog tracked Sebastian to a construction sight down the street but lost the scent at a puddle (which was drained). It was also said that the dogs lost his scent just outside the front door (according to stepdad). It hadn’t rained at the time the dogs searched.

I don’t know if they checked the bin for dna but theoretically his dna could’ve been found in it due to touch (including garbage bags) or transfer from items he wore. LE did a brief search (1.5 days) at the site where trash from the construction site went. To my knowledge they never checked the dump where the neighborhood trash went.

Poor Sebastian, I sure wish he would be found.

 

[Helechawagirl]

Tuned in to a bit of Sebastian’s case tonight. Didn’t see TikTok Tony. I’d he out of the picture now?

 

[StillDiggin]

https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/sumner-county-teen-sebastian-rogers-missing-18-months-father-says-case-still-has-no-answers/

 

[Simply Caustic]

This is one of those cases where I feel like there’s context I am missing; some event or events that would tie up loose ends, explain the inexplicable, and give some sort of indication as to where Sebastian is. I hope his loved ones get answers.

 

[JudiK]

This is one of those cases where I feel like there’s context I am missing; some event or events that would tie up loose ends, explain the inexplicable, and give some sort of indication as to where Sebastian is. I hope his loved ones get answers.

Is it crazy to think he walked away and then foul play took over? I know there are cameras everywhere but what if he walked the tree line? Behind all the houses to that construction site? No camera would pick him up behind homes. I wonder if there is anyway to search the area with all the new construction or did we already miss that window? The area near that retention pond. Thoughts?

 

[Megnut]

This is one of those cases where I feel like there’s context I am missing; some event or events that would tie up loose ends, explain the inexplicable, and give some sort of indication as to where Sebastian is. I hope his loved ones get answers.

You'd think this couldn't happen but I keep reading about people who fall into barrels and trash bins, can't get out and asphyxiate.

Could that have happened here? Had S been forced to throw out something that was valuable to him? Did he sneak out to retrieve it?

No shoes, no intention of being gone long. Waited until Mom was distracted/asleep and slipped out the front door

Utter unthinkable accident? But parents started pointing fingers and it blew up into a war of testosterone and territory, fueled by mutual distrust?

Children don't disappear. If they're missing from the immediate area, they were moved. Logic 101.

Could this explain how he went missing and remains missing?

JMO

 

[Simply Caustic]

Is it crazy to think he walked away and then foul play took over? I know there are cameras everywhere but what if he walked the tree line? Behind all the houses to that construction site? No camera would pick him up behind homes. I wonder if there is anyway to search the area with all the new construction or did we already miss that window? The area near that retention pond. Thoughts?

Not crazy to think that, no, but my hesitance to believe that is because none of his shoes were missing, and a prior fire ant incident had Sebastian vigilant about wearing shoes/houseshoes even when taking out trash (quick trip) so I can’t imagine he’d run away without the same. I remember a lot of comments from the beginning (IMO, since I don’t have a link) regarding drainage pipes and the like, culverts maybe? But it had been brought up here and elsewhere as somewhere to look well within, due to the cold especially, and the way victims of hypothermia can wedge themselves into tiny spots. That remains a possibility IMO, but the shoes - that sticks in my craw moo

 

[Auntie Cipation]

According to his mom, when Sebastian left the house, he did so without his shoes…his mother & biodad had each bought him new shoes in the weeks before he disappeared. His mother disposed of his old shoes, his new shoes were found in the house.

Could that have happened here? Had S been forced to throw out something that was valuable to him? Did he sneak out to retrieve it?

Could he have been emotionally attached to his old shoes, upset about his mom disposing of them, and left to try to retrieve them, wherever he thought they would have ended up?

Alternatively, if they were only in a wastebasket or the trash can just outside, he might have reclaimed them and, while that doesn't explain his disappearance, it at least gives a plausible way for him to not have taken off barefoot.

MOO

 

[abyquinn]

Could he have been emotionally attached to his old shoes, upset about his mom disposing of them, and left to try to retrieve them, wherever he thought they would have ended up?

Alternatively, if they were only in a wastebasket or the trash can just outside, he might have reclaimed them and, while that doesn't explain his disappearance, it at least gives a plausible way for him to not have taken off barefoot.

MOO

Because we have absolutely no concrete answers in this sad story anything is possible. It actually makes more sense to me that maybe Sebastian had retrieved his old shoes, (or never disposed of them to begin with) than to think a 15 yr old who had a severe fear of being barefoot outdoors due to a fire ant bite would suddenly get over it and take off in the middle of the night without shoes!

In an early interview, Seth said that Katie got rid of his old shoes because Sebastian had outgrown them. IMO that could mean she physically threw them away herself or she could’ve told Sebastian to bin them. Either way, they believed he no longer had them. They also believed it was not like him to leave the house barefoot, even just to take out the trash. FWIW when my kids were young, there were plenty of times I left their old shoes in the bin at the shoe store! Kids can be really hard on their shoes!

It’s been 18 mos. It sure would be great if LE would share what they know if it might help to find Sebastian. So many people spent months looking for him, I’ve never understood why LE stopped searching & turned towards only investigating so early in this case. It almost seems like they must’ve known he wasn’t going to be found locally.

MOO