Felix DeJesus, a 41-year-old resident of Haledon, New Jersey, disappeared on the evening of February 2, 2022, after an encounter with Paterson police. DeJesus, who is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5'4' tall and weighing 170 pounds, has several distinct tattoos, including a Puerto Rico flag on his chest and the names 'Mariana' and 'Wanda' on his arms. On the night he went missing, he was wearing a white t-shirt and black sweatpants. The last known activity on his phone was at 8:07 p.m., and his food stamp card was last used around 6:00 p.m. that evening. His family has been relentlessly searching for answers since his disappearance, facing what they describe as a lack of transparency and assistance from officials.
The circumstances surrounding Felix DeJesus's disappearance are unsettling and have raised numerous questions.
DeJesus, who struggled with alcoholism, had been drinking with friends before taking a cab to his Haledon home. He later went to Paterson, where he was detained by two police officers outside a bodega on Union Avenue following a complaint of a disturbance. The officers alleged they dropped him off at Westside Park near the Passaic River. However, DeJesus's family disputes this, stating there is no proof he was ever taken to the park. The body camera footage from the encounter is incomplete, starting with DeJesus on the ground complaining of a broken arm before the cameras were turned off. This has led the family to believe crucial information is being withheld.
The investigation into DeJesus's disappearance has been fraught with challenges and has left his family feeling helpless. Initially, there was confusion over which police department should handle the missing person report. The two officers involved in his detainment were later suspended for violating multiple regulations, including those concerning body cameras and the transport of citizens. Despite this, officials have stated the officers are not considered responsible for his disappearance. The New Jersey Attorney General's office has taken over the Paterson Police Department and stated that the investigation into DeJesus's case is ongoing, involving searches of the Passaic River. The case of Felix DeJesus remains a painful mystery, highlighting a family's desperate search for a loved one last seen in the custody of law enforcement. The lack of concrete evidence regarding his whereabouts after his interaction with the police has created a void of information, leaving his family to grapple with unanswered questions and the enduring hope of his return.Last Seen: Feb 2, 2022
