Found Deceased VA - Leon Francis, 62, Newport News, 14 Jan 2020 *Senior Alert*

[JerseyGirl]

Leon Francis, 62, was last seen around 6:10 a.m. Francis is described as a black male who is 5’8″ tall and weighs 160 pounds. Francis has limited motor capacity and has difficulty walking.

Newport News Police searching for missing 62-year-old man

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 15, 2020
Missing Newport News man believed to be in danger, police say
[...]

Spokesman Brandon Maynard said in a news release that officers responded to the 400 block of Wyn Drive around 7:44 a.m. A woman there said Francis had been missing since around 6:10 a.m. that morning.

[...]

Police previously said Francis was wearing a New York Knicks jacket but later Tuesday said that information was incorrect. Francis was wearing a T-shirt, boxers and one shoe on the day he was reported missing, according to a Wednesday evening news release.

[...]

Senior alert issued for missing Virginia man

 

[JerseyGirl]

State police issue Senior Alert for missing and endangered 62-year-old Newport News man

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 16, 2020
Family asks for community help in finding father missing in Newport News
[...]

“We just hope Leon gets home very, very, soon. Come on home daddy come home please,” DF, the missing man’s wife, said Thursday.

[...]

“It was raining that morning, he left the house suddenly, he didn’t have on the proper clothing from what we’ve seen on the neighbors film, and we’re just praying and hoping wherever he is, that he’s safe,” said Daphne Francis.

[...]

She says he has Parkinson’s disease and has been off his medication since he went missing, which causes a lot of concern.

“Maybe this disease just took over and he felt overwhelmed and felt like he just needed to get away. If you all see him out there, please let him know we just want him home, he needs to come back home,” DF said.

She says Newport News Police found his umbrella in the woods behind a Wendy’s.

[...]

The Francis’s daughter, SF, says the family is doing all they can to stay strong and they appreciate the police and community’s help.

“My biggest fear is somebody hurting him, him being at the wrong place, or being with someone that’s crazy. You just never know. It’s been this long. We’re trying not to let the negative thoughts overpower, but this is not like him,” SF said.

[...]

DF says she’s especially worried for his well-being as the temperatures are supposed to drop and he didn’t have on the proper clothes.

[...]

The family says they’ll take all the prayers they can get.

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

Tuesday [Jan. 14th] at 12:35 PM
“NNPD SEARCHING FOR MISSING MAN

UPDATE 1/15/2020 @ 8:10 p.m. -
Investigation has revealed Mr. Francis was only wearing a t-shirt, boxers, and one shoe the day he was reported missing. If you have seen Mr. Francis since January 14 or locate him, please call the Newport News Police Department at 757–247–2500.
==============
UPDATE 1/15/2020 @ 9:25 a.m. - The search continues for 62-year-old Leon Francis. After obtaining additional information, Mr. Francis is now considered endangered. Please continue to share this information and call us at 757-247-2500 if he you know where he is.
==============
UPDATE: 1/14/2020 @ 3 p.m. - It has been determined that Mr. Francis is *not* wearing the Knicks jacket. It is unknown if he has on a coat.

The information below has been updated.
==============
The Newport News Police Department needs your help in locating a missing person.

On January 14th, 2020 at 7:44 a.m., Newport News Police were dispatched to the 400 block of Wynn Drive in reference to a missing person. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the complainant who stated her husband was missing and was last seen at approximately 6:10 a.m. this morning. She identified her husband as 62-year-old Leon Francis.

Mr. Francis is described as a black male, 5'08 tall, 160 lbs, last seen wearing a a white New York Knicks ballcap. Mr. Francis has limited motor capacity and has difficulty walking.

If contact is made with Mr. Francis, please contact Newport News Police Department at 757–247–2500.”
Newport News Police Department

Wednesday [Jan. 15th] at 5:17 PM
“#Virginia Senior Alert ACTIVATION: Missing #NewportNews Man

The Newport News Police Department is searching for Mr. Leon Francis, 62. Mr. Francis is a black male with brown eyes and bald. He is 5'8 in height and weighs 160 lbs.

He was last seen at his residence on Wyn Drive in Newport News at 7 a.m. on Jan.14, 2020.

Mr. Francis suffers from a cognitive impairment and his disappearance poses a credible threat to this health and safety, as determined by the investigating agency.

Please call 911 or call the Newport News Police Department at 757-247-2500with any information regarding Mr. Francis. Additional information at www.vasenioralert.com”
Virginia State Police

 

[PayrollNerd]

The umbrella was found in the field behind Wendys. There is a long wooded area south of Wendys and what appears to be a retention pond north of Wendys. There’s a road in between. Perhaps dogs could track him, maybe he’s just lost in the woods.

 

[KJ's Mamu]

Day 6.... Even a man who has difficulty walking could get a good distance in 5 days, but I find it doubtful that a man with Parkinson's wearing a t-shirt, boxers and one shoe would be ignored by anyone who encountered him. Thus, I agree with @PayrollNerd - he might be in those woods somewhere. I hope he is found alive...but with each passing day the odds are lowered.

 

[PayrollNerd]

He looks like such a distinguished friendly guy .

Virginia's Senior Alert System

 

[quidnunc247]

There’s a public search set up by the family happening right now. Unfortunately I don’t imagine this will end well.
Missing Pieces Network

 

[quidnunc247]

Looks like the family setup a search page

Bring Leon Francis Home

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 22, 2020
Search efforts increase across Newport News for missing marine veteran
[...]

Francis’ wife, Daphne Thompson-Francis explained the description might have changed since he was reported missing.

“We have descriptions of him wearing certain outfits, and no he didn’t have on that Knicks starter jacket. But we do know he is fully-clothed,” said Thompson-Francis.

[...]

Thompson-Francis also mentions her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and may seem disoriented due to not taking his medication.

Newport News Police pointed out investigators are still actively looking for Francis at this time. The family is urging the public to keep a lookout for their loved one.

[...]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 22, 2020
Advocacy nonprofit asks Newport News residents, businesses to look for missing 62-year-old man
A national nonprofit organization that advocates for families of missing people is asking those in Hampton Roads to assist in the search for Leon Francis.

[...]

“The family is requesting that residents and business owners check locations around their own property for any signs of Leon or his belongings and contact the police if they find anything,” Missing Pieces Network President Kim Martin wrote in an email Wednesday.

[...]

The Missing Pieces Network is asking anyone to check spots around their properties, including abandoned buildings, stairwells, outbuildings, trailers, boats or other places where a person may seek shelter.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

Sad news.

FEB 17, 2020
Family of missing Newport News man hold candlelight vigil
What was meant to be a night of hope for a Newport News family, has turned in to a night of tragedy.

[...]

Newport News Police pulled a body from the water near Rivers Ridge Circle Sunday afternoon. That location was not far from Lee’s Mill Historic Park.

While police have not identified that person, the family tells 10 On Your Side it was Leon Francis. He’s been missing since early January.

[...]

Tamara Scott on Twitter
An hour ago they had planned a birthday celebration tonight for 62-year-old Leon Francis. Now they are having a memorial vigil and the family must plan a funeral. It’s a sad night in Newport News. Details tonight on @WAVY_News

6:35 PM - 16 Feb 2020

 

[iulia]

Body found in Newport News identified as missing man Leon Francis

 

[Elgana]

Body found in Newport News identified as missing man Leon Francis

Such sad news, RIP Leon.