In the city of St. Louis, Missouri, a deeply concerning situation unfolded on January 26, 2020, involving a 33-year-old man named Joshua Cortez Hayes. On that Sunday, Joshua was last seen leaving an apartment located in the 5400 block of Arlington Avenue. What happened in the moments that followed has left his family and community searching for answers. Shortly after he departed from the residence, a witness reported hearing the chilling sound of multiple gunshots in the immediate area.
Joshua has not been seen or heard from since that day, creating a painful void for those who know and love him. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a gray zip-up jacket, black Puma sweatpants, and black Nike slide-on shoes.
Joshua is described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 170 pounds. He has several distinct tattoos that could help to identify him. These include a tattoo of a money sign on his ear, though the exact ear is not specified. He also has an unknown tattoo located behind his right ear and another unidentified tattoo on his left arm. Further descriptions note tattoos on his neck, forearm, and chest. His nickname is "Black." The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is the investigating agency for this case, and they continue to seek any information that could lead to a breakthrough in their investigation.
The circumstances surrounding Joshua Hayes's disappearance are profoundly troubling and suggest the possibility of foul play. The report of gunshots just after he was last seen is a critical and alarming detail in this case. Despite the passage of time, very few details have been made public, which only adds to the distress of his loved ones. The lack of available information has created a challenging environment for those seeking to understand what happened to him. This overview of the case encapsulates the known facts: a man vanished under suspicious and potentially violent circumstances, leaving behind a community that awaits answers and hopes for a resolution. The investigation into his disappearance remains open as his family continues to hope for his return.Last Seen: Jan 26, 2020