Jared McColloch

Case Information:

Jared McColloch was 33 years old when he disappeared while traveling through Carmi, Illinois, on November 5, 2023. A resident of Marion, Louisiana, Jared had set out on a spur-of-the-moment journey to visit his teenage son in Illinois.

Notably, his disappearance occurred during the weekend of the “fall back” time change, which has created significant challenges for investigators establishing a definitive timeline. By the following morning, his vehicle was located in a remote area of Indiana, nearly 600 miles from his home.

Case Details:

Jared is a father of four who worked in construction and was known for his reserved, introverted personality. He was traveling in a white 2020 GMC Sierra with his two loyal dogs, Roxy Mae and Rusty, and a bed full of personal tools and supplies.

His mother, Tammie, notes that Jared was extremely excited about a new baby in the family and was actively planning for the future. The fact that he was found nowhere near his intended destination in Salem, Illinois, remains the central mystery of the case.

Timeline of Events:

At 8:51 AM on November 5, Jared was captured on security footage at a Huck’s Gas Station in Carmi, appearing calm and alone. His phone last pinged near Mount Carmel, Illinois, shortly after 11:00 AM following a series of calls with an acquaintance.

By 6:30 AM on November 6, a citizen reported his truck abandoned on a gravel road near “The Point” in Knox County, Indiana. The vehicle was out of gas with a dead battery, and the driver’s side doors were left wide open.

Investigation:

The Knox County Sherriff’s Office is leading the investigation into Jared’s disappearance with assistance from Illinois authorities. Search efforts have included drones, ground-penetrating radar, and water searches along the Wabash and White Rivers where they converge.

Detectives found his dogs, sunglasses, and a cooler full of drinks inside the truck, but his phone, vape, and keys were missing. Despite the discovery of his vehicle in a “shortcut” area known mostly to locals, no physical evidence of Jared has been found.

Community Response:

The “Finding Jared McColloch” Facebook group has grown into a significant hub for advocacy and information sharing among residents of the Illinois-Indiana border. Community volunteers have conducted several independent searches of the rugged terrain near the Wabash River.

National true crime podcasts and news outlets have featured the case, focusing on the discrepancy between the police-marked location of the truck and the actual discovery site. The public’s continued vigilance remains the best hope for a breakthrough in this cold investigation.

Family Statements:

Jared’s mother, Tammie Reppond, has stated that her son would never have willingly abandoned his dogs, who were found leashed and waiting inside the truck. She believes the truck may have been “planted” at the location and fears foul play was involved.

Meanwhile the family has expressed frustration with the initial handling of the case and the lack of forensic answers after two years. They describe Jared as a man who was working hard to overcome past struggles and who was deeply devoted to his children.

Physical Appearance:

Jared is a white male standing 5’9” tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown Carhart Jacket, a light blue shirt, faded jeans, and dark blue Skechers.

Additionally, he is heavily tattooed, featuring a Grim Reaper, a skull smoking a cigarette, and the Bible verse Psalm 27:3 on his arms. He also wears a distinctive dog tag necklace with the fingerprints of his late brother.

Current Status:

Jared McColloch remains classified as an “Endangered Missing Person” in the NamUs database. While he has a pending warrant for a probation violation in Louisiana, authorities are treating this primarily as a missing person investigation.

Authorities at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office continues to review new tips and coordinates with the Wabash County authorities in Illinois. There have been no confirmed sightings or financial activity linked to Jared since the morning of November 5, 2023.

Contact Information:

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jared McColloch or any unusual activity near the Wabash River Road in November 2023, please contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at (812) 882-7660.

Anonymous tips can also be provided to the family’s tip line at (618) 367-1828. Your information could be the key to bringing Jared home to his family.

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