Name: Jonathan Eric Eiland
Nicknames: JJ, Bama
Age: 44 years old
Last seen: May 31, 2013
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Status: Still missing
Case Information
44 year old Jonathan Eiland was lase seen on May 31, 2013 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He disappeared after visiting his friends at their home, and hasn’t been heard from since.
Background
Jonathan Eiland was homeless at the time of his disappearance, and often stayed at a homeless camp under a bridge on 28th Street in Little Rock, near the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus.
He was good friends with 18 year old Kasey Hudson, whom he worked with and often stayed with at the camp. Described as his running buddy, the pair reportedly went everywhere together.
Jonathan was also close with a married couple, Cathy and Elijah New, whom he had moved from California to Arkansas to be closer to.
The couple invited Jonathan to live with them in their home, but he reportedly decided to stay out on the street. He remained close with the couple, keeping in touch by calling them two or three times a week.
Disappearance
Jonathan Eiland was last seen on Memorial Day weekend 2013 when he visited his friends, Cathy and Elijah New, at their home in Little Rock, Arkansas. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
A few days later Jonathan’s employer called the New’s, letting them know that he had not shown up for work.
Jonathan’s family traveled from California to Arkansas to report him missing in July 2013.
Investigation
Jonathan’s good friend, 18 year old Kasey Hudson, was found deceased on the morning of May 31, 2013. His body was found in Coleman Creek, located on the University of Arkansas campus following flooding of the area over Memorial Day weekend.
No foul play or trauma to the body was found, with investigators later determining that he had accidentally drowned.
It is unknown if Jonathan drowned along with his friend, or what caused his disappearance.
Whereabouts
The location of Jonathan Eiland, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remains unknown. His case is currently classified as endangered missing.
Appearance
African American male with black hair and brown eyes. Jonathan stands 5’6 tall and weighs 145 pounds.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jonathan Eiland please contact the Little Rock Police Department at (501) 404-3040.
Resources & Further Information
Jonathan Eric Eiland – NamUS
Jonathan Eric Eiland – The Charley Project
News & Media Links
Police Seek Man Missing Since Friend’s Drowning – Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Homeless Man Missing, Family Pleads for Information – KATV
Little Rock Police Searching For Missing Man – THV11
What line of work was he in , did the New ‘ s ever meet Kasey , what was the relationship of the New ‘ s to Jonathan ? .
What was the friendship like before Jonathan ‘ s disappearance and the drowning of Kasey , accidental or otherwise ? .
Were the New ‘ s and Jonathan of the same age , if Kasey met them , was the friendship cordial or strained given the age difference ? What line of work did the New ‘ S do ? .
What was the relationship like between Jonathan and his family ? .
Did he already have a job to go to when he arrived ? .