Name: Jaylen Griffin
Age: 12 years old
Last seen: August 4, 2020
Location: Buffalo, New York
Status: Body Found on April 12, 2024
Case Information
12 year old Jaylen Griffin was last seen in Buffalo, New York on August 4, 2020. He disappeared after going to the store around 11:00 am.
Background
Jaylen Griffin was born to mother Joann Ponzo on April 22, 2008. At the time of his disappearance he was living with his family in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood of Buffalo, New York.
He was in sixth grade, and often spent time at the stores near his home offering to carry people’s bags for money.
Disappearance
On August 4, 2020, Jaylen Griffin was last seen at his home on Warren Avenue in Buffalo, New York.
After getting home from walking his new puppy, Jaylen went into his mother’s room around 11:00 am and told her he was heading out to the store. Jaylen hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
His family immediately reported him missing to the Buffalo Police Department when he failed to return home.
Investigation
Jaylen’s social media was deactivated after he went missing.
His family has received reports of people seeing Jaylen in the Buffalo area, but none of them have been confirmed.
“The Buffalo Police Department’s Special Victims Unit continues this investigation as an active missing person investigation and are following up on any and all leads that come our way,” Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia told the Buffalo News.
On February 15, 2020, Jaylen’s 18 year old brother Jawaan Griffin was shot and killed on Memorial Drive in Buffalo. Jaylen never showed up to the funeral.
His mother believes Jaylen is either under someone’s influence or that someone did something to her son. She does not believe he would run away on his own.
Authorities believe he is alive and still in the area, but his family fears he is in danger.
Jaylen’s mother, 48 year old Joann Ponzo, passed away in September 2023 without ever knowing what happened to her son.
Jaylen’s Body Found, Death Ruled a Homicide
On April 12, 2024, Jaylen’s body was found inside a home in the 100 block of Sheffield Avenue in south Buffalo. His death has been ruled a homicide.
Due to decomposition the identification was made through dental records. No further details have been released.
Appearance
Black male born on April 22, 2008. Jaylen has black hair and brown eyes. He stood 5’3 tall and weighed 145 at the time of his disappearance.
Clothing and accessories:
Jaylen was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, sweat pants, and white Nike sneakers.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jaylen Griffin please contact the Buffalo Police Department at (716) 853-2222, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at (800) THE-LOST.
Crime Stoppers of WNY is offering a reward of $7,500 for information that leads to an arrest of the person(s) responsible. Anyone with information in Jaylen’s case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers WNY at (716) 867-6161. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
Resources & Further Information
Jaylen Griffin – NamUs
Jaylen Griffin – The Charley Project
News & Media Links
Community Group Vows to Continue Search For Jaylen Griffin After Sudden Death of his Mother – WKBW
New Photos Created to Show What Buffalo Teen Would Look Like 3 Years Later – WGRZ
Emotional Prayer Vigil for Jaylen Griffin Missing For Three Years – WKBW
‘Somebody Has My Son, Or Did Something to My Son,’ Mother Says of Missing 12 Year Old Boy – Newsbreak
Renewed Plea For Help Finding Missing Buffalo Boy – WKBW
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