Deputies in Rankin County are searching for 16-year-old John Michael Jones, a Brandon resident and student at Hartfield Academy, who has been missing since Saturday night. According to officials, Jones was last seen at his home around 8:30 p.m. on October 26, wearing blue shorts and a white T-shirt. Deputies noted a black backpack was also missing from his room.

Authorities were notified of Jones’ disappearance on Sunday, October 27. While investigators report no evidence of foul play, they emphasize that the teen has been struggling with depression following the recent deaths of his father and a grandparent. Family members fear he may be contemplating self-harm, given his recent emotional challenges.

The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office has enlisted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) to issue a Purple Alert in hopes of locating Jones. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office at 601-825-1480.