Joynell Brandon, a 43-year-old mother of three from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was last seen on May 13, 2025. That evening, she was dropped off at a friend's house on Fluker Street to play cards. Later, a friend reported that she was picked up by a man in a white box truck on University Avenue around 10:00 p.m. In the early hours of the following morning, a family member received a text message from Joynell's phone asking them to open the door. When they did, she was not there.
This communication was noted as uncharacteristic by her daughter, who stated that her mother did not typically text in complete sentences. Joynell, who was also known as 'Cookie,' was never seen or heard from again. Her family reported her missing and expressed deep concern, noting that she had a diagnosed mental health condition that required medication she did not have with her.
The investigation into Joynell's disappearance soon focused on the man she was last seen with, Tony Thompson Jr. He initially told investigators that he had dropped her off within a block of her home and did not know what happened to her afterward. The white box truck he was driving, which did not belong to him, was searched by police with the owner's consent. Inside the truck, investigators discovered a 9mm shell casing under the passenger seat. This discovery led to a search of Thompson's home, where a Glock 17 handgun, consistent with the shell casing, was found. A few days after Joynell's disappearance, Thompson was involved in a police pursuit with Arkansas State Police after his mother reported that he had taken her car without permission. He crashed the vehicle and was taken into custody, continuing to deny any involvement in Joynell's case. The case took a darker turn when Joynell's family began receiving ransom texts demanding $12,000 for her safe return. A woman named Italia Thompson was reportedly involved in picking up the ransom money.
Months later, in July, the state crime lab confirmed that Joynell Brandon's blood had been found inside the box truck linked to Thompson. This, in conjunction with the shell casing and DNA evidence, led prosecutors to believe that Thompson had killed her and concealed her body. In December 2025, Tony Thompson Jr. was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. His bond was set at $1 million. In January 2026, Thompson pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite the arrest and ongoing legal proceedings, Joynell Brandon's body has not been recovered, leaving her family without closure. The case remains an active investigation as her loved ones continue to hope for answers and justice for Joynell.Last Seen: May 13, 2025
