MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby Co. Sheriff’s Office canceled a “Be On the Lookout” alert for Donnell Roberts, whose family told WREG that he has died.
The BOLO alert was canceled Friday after deputies say they located a White 2017 Nissan Altima that matched the description of the same vehicle 26-year-old Donnell Roberts was driving the night he went missing.
BOLO issued for missing Memphis man
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
WREG crews located a white Nissan Altima on Tuesday, Dec. 30 behind Winridge Elementary in Hickory Hill after police found a body inside the car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On the scene, Memphis police confirmed a death investigation, but did not confirm a connection with the missing person’s report.
WREG has reached out again to MPD and so far they haven’t responded.
In addition to SCSO announcing it was cancelling the search, WREG reached Robert’s mother Friday morning and she said that her son has died.
Roberts had not been seen since Dec. 22 and according to Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk Jamita Swearengen he was a county employee. Swearengen provided the following statement:
We are devastated beyond words that our beloved Donnell Roberts is gone! Donnell Roberts started as an employee with the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in 2019 as a 19-year-old teenager who began under the tutelage of Judge Jerry Stokes. Roberts’ exponentially grew under Judge Stokes’ guidance until Judge Stokes retired in 2022 and continued his amazing growth under Judge Cedrick Wooten. While he was the youngest in the department, he was extremely reliable and consistent with his job and with others. Mr. Donnell Roberts was a smart and bright young man who was a fast learner and very detailed. We all will truly miss his silent smile and always being the first one at work grabbing two donuts at a time. Words will never be able to express the love and care we have for Donnell. He has gone far too soon! He touched everyone around him differently but significantly. We will always remember Donnell as an awesome father, son, grandson, brother, friend, coworker and, most of all, a young man who was loved by all. We miss and love you, Donnell!
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