Missing Rankin County teen returns home safely

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – According to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, 16-year-old John Michael Jones is safe in his home in Brandon after he was lured to meet someone down the street and kidnapped.

The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office received reports around 8 a.m. Sunday that Jones was missing.

The department immediately began its investigation and shortly thereafter contacted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which issued a Purple Alert.

A Purple Alert is issued when the incident does not meet the criteria for a Blue, Silver or Amber Alert.

“At that time we were not aware of any facts or information regarding an abduction, and in order for an Amber Alert to be issued, there must be an abduction, an act of violence in which a child moves from one place to the other is brought. another,” said Tyler Burnell, an investigator with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office.

The department initially believed this was a result of the teen’s struggles with mental health, based on information from Jones’ family.

“He suffered from a lot of depression and a lot of bad days related to the grief of his deceased loved ones,” Burnell said.

When they discovered that Jones’ cell phone and debit card had not been used, the sheriff’s office contacted the Mississippi Attorney General’s office.

Surveillance video led authorities to Kaleb James Cannady of Arkansas. A Be on the Look Out was issued for Cannady’s vehicle, a 2015 Dodge Charger with an Arkansas license plate.

Arkansas State Police located and arrested the 34-year-old at his home, where they found Jones.

“He drove seven hours from his home in Arkansas to pick this young man up at his home or near his home in Brandon and then drove him seven hours back to the state of Arkansas,” Burnell said.

Authorities say Jones and Cannady communicated online before Cannady convinced Jones to meet him.

“We spent a little over 24 hours getting the report and finding him, recovering him with the assistance of the Arkansas State Police and then, of course, arresting Mr. Kennedy,” Burnell said. “Very happy with the collaboration there. It was absolutely huge.”

Burnell says anything involving a child is a top priority, and Rankin County is where most, if not all, missing children are found.

“We always want to make sure the children are safe, and if they aren’t, we will move heaven and earth to find them,” he said.

The investigation was a collaboration between local, state and foreign law enforcement officials, but major thanks also go to the public. Attorney General Lynn Fitch released a statement to WLBT 3 on Your Side.

“Cases like these underscore the importance of interagency cooperation, not only within the state, but also across state lines. Many cases start with tips from ordinary people who have their eyes open and are ready to take the steps that could save a life. Our office was honored to play even a small role in the rigorous investigative work that led to the safe return of John Michael Jones.”

Cannady faces criminal charges in Rankin County in connection with Jones’ disappearance, plus other possible charges in Arkansas.

Jones is at home with his family and undergoing mental and physical examinations.

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