New Moon

New Moon
Interactive: Which character are you?

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Middle School Boys Remain Missing One Year Later

POSTED: Friday, February 10, 2006

The families of two Westside boys who left school early one year ago Friday and never made it home joined police and others in a ceremony to remember them and keep the search in the public mind.

Hayes-Degner photosMark Degner, 13, and Bryan Hayes, 14, left Paxon Middle School on Feb. 10, 2005, and never made it home.

"We're not here today for a memorial service for missing people. We're here today because we truly believe that our boys are alive," Degner's grandmother, Darlene Briggs, said.

It is believed they are runaways, but because of the length of time they've been gone, investigators believe they may be in danger.

"We just want let you know, Mark and Brian, that we love you and we just want you home with us," said Linda Alligood, Degner's mother.

The reward for information leading to their safe return remains $10,000.

An aggressive search by the parents and Jacksonville police turned up several sightings of the boys in north Jacksonville in the first two weeks after they disappeared.

A month later, there were reports that the boys were seen in Volusia County. Other tips have continued to come in, although more slowly.

"Every resource that the sheriff's office has is committed to this investigation," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Assistant Chief Rick Graham said.

In addition to people concerned about Degner and Hayes, six other families who are missing loved ones were at Friday's ceremony.

Anyone with any information about the boys is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office missing persons office at (904) 630-2627 or Crimestoppers at (888) 845-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward.

Missing Persons Poster

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Acupuncture, massage, or other complementary therapies could manage your type-2 diabetes. Find out whether they can help you. More

Most Popular