Mexia teenager missing for several days
Mexia High School Junior Desmond “Dez” Connally Jr., 16, went missing Saturday, Aug. 3, about 11 a.m., according to a Mexia Police Department press release.
Chief of Police Heath Crossland said his agency Is working with other law enforcement agencies to locate the youth. Police received a call for service Saturday night saying the teenager had run away from his cousin’s residence in Mexia, the press release said.
“It is believed that Desmond voluntarily left with the intent not to return,” the press release said. “We believe he may have coordinated with someone to pick him up. Desmond is currently listed as a runaway.”
The press release added that the teenager may be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with an unknown male friend. The age of the male friend is not known, it said.
Connally’s mother Precious Simmons said she has no idea where he is now. “He just disappeared,” Simmons said. “I don’t know where he would have gone. I don’t know if someone snatched him or what could have happened. I’m worried sick.”
Simmons said her son spent the night at a relative’s house on Brooks Street Friday, Aug. 2. “I called her Saturday to see about going to pick him up, and she said he left that morning,” Simmons said. “He told her he was going home.”
Connally reportedly was carrying a red and gray backpack and pulling a gray rolling suitcase. He is 5 foot 9 inches with a slender build. He may be wearing black crocs. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with the word “DRIP” on the front in script print and dark shorts.
Simmons said there had been no argument between them, and that he has never done anything like this in the past. He had not mentioned having any problems, she said.
Simmons said her son has a few friends, but no one special in his life that she is aware.
If anyone sees Connally or has information about his whereabouts they are asked to call the Mexia Police Department at 254-562-4154 or 254-729-4555 after hours or his mother at 469-392-5008.