The small town of Lexington, South Carolina, is engulfed in concern and fear as the search intensifies for 14-year-old James Shealy, who has been reported missing since the early hours of September 24, 2024. The alarming news was confirmed by his father, Beth Curles Shealy, through a post on his X account, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance from the community. As details emerge, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has mobilized resources and personnel, with the support of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), to locate the young boy whose absence has left a profound impact on his family and friends.
According to his father’s account, James was last seen at approximately 5:30 a.m. that morning on Wise Ferry Road. The family noticed his disappearance when they woke up, realizing he had left without his cell phone—a situation that has raised fears for his safety. The Sheriff’s Department has been involved since around 7 a.m., conducting extensive searches in hopes of finding any trace of James.
James is described as approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 135 pounds. At the time of his disappearance, he was reportedly wearing a dark grey, nearly charcoal-colored hoodie, shorts, and tennis shoes. The lack of communication devices and the unusual circumstances surrounding his absence have led his family to believe he could potentially be in danger.
His aunt, Jilly Kipp, took to social media to rally support and increase awareness of James’s disappearance. Her heartfelt plea on Facebook implores everyone to assist in the search, stating, “I NEED YOUR HELP!!!! My nephew is missing from Lexington, SC. My sister and her husband realized he was gone when they woke up this morning. He does NOT have his cell phone. He could be in danger.” She encouraged friends and family to share the message widely, urging anyone with information to contact authorities or herself directly.
Authorities are employing various strategies in their search efforts, having already spoken to friends and neighbors in the area, scrutinizing James’s belongings, and utilizing advanced technology, including drones and scent-tracking dogs, to gather leads. The search team remains hopeful that they will uncover new information that could lead to James’s safe return.
As the hours pass, community members are rallying together to show their support for the Shealy family. Vigils are being organized, and social media campaigns are spreading awareness of the situation. The family has expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community, reinforcing the importance of unity during this challenging time.
Law enforcement urges anyone who may have seen James or who has any information regarding his whereabouts to come forward. The fear and uncertainty surrounding a missing child affect not only the immediate family but also the entire community, creating a sense of shared distress and a collective hope for a positive outcome.
As of now, James Shealy remains missing, and the search efforts continue. The community of Lexington stands vigilant, hoping for his safe return and praying for his family during this difficult ordeal. Authorities are adamant that every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in the search for James.
If you have any information about James Shealy or have seen him since the morning of September 24, please do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement or call 911. Your assistance could be instrumental in bringing James back home to his family.
