Javonte Rashon Palen Schwartz, a 22‑year‑old Black male born May 25, 1996, disappeared from Panama City, Florida on **July 1, 2018**, after recently relocating from New York. He was last observed in the **300 block of North East Avenue**. At the time, he was reportedly searching for food and shelter shortly after his arrival, and never made contact with family or friends thereafter.
At the time of disappearance, Schwartz was approximately **5 ft 11 in** tall, weighing between **140 and 180 lbs**, with black hair and brown eyes, and had a goatee. He bore multiple distinctive tattoos—including a cartoon **Tasmanian Devil** on his right side under his arm, a roaring **lion with a crown** on his back, a large **snake** along his inner left forearm, and a cross with the banner “RIP Grandpa” and dates on his right chest.
Despite efforts by law enforcement, including the **Panama City Police Department**, and missing‑persons databases listing him under NamUs MP 86363, no communication from Javonte was received in the months following his disappearance. Those close to him noted that his failure to make contact was highly unusual and inconsistent with his normal behavior. His case remained unresolved for an extended period.
Remains matching an unidentified individual were located in Panama City on **March 11, 2020**, and were entered as NamUs UP 86767. Through efforts by a DoeNetwork volunteer a match was made and submitted to law enforcement in **2023**. The identification of the remains as **Javonte Rashon Palen Schwartz** was officially confirmed by the Panama City Police Department in **March 2025**.
Although the cause of death has **not been publicly disclosed**, the confirmation closed a nearly **five‑year** missing person case. Javonte’s disappearance at age 22, the challenging circumstances of his early days in Panama City, and the long period before his remains were identified highlight both the complexities of such investigations and the importance of collaborative efforts between family, volunteers, and law enforcement.
If anyone has additional information regarding Javonte Schwartz or relevant circumstances around July of 2018 in Panama City, they were encouraged to contact the **Panama City Police Department at 872‑3112** or Crime Stoppers.
Last Seen: Jul 01, 2018
