Robert Earl Sheriff, a 50-year-old social studies teacher and father of five, was last seen leaving his sister’s home in Jackson, Mississippi, on the evening of December 23, 1997. He was headed to his residence on Plaza Street and was last observed at about 10:30 p.m. He is described as a Black male, 6 feet 2 inches, about 280 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a scar on his leg from a childhood bicycle accident. He was wearing a sweater, jacket, jeans and sneakers.

On December 24, his 1984 bronze-colored Dodge Dynasty was recovered in Hanging Moss Creek, south of Briarwood Drive; the creek was swollen and the vehicle appeared to have gone off Hanging Moss Road near a bridge. Robert’s coat was found inside the car and another jacket was recovered from the creek. Initial investigators thought he may have drowned, and it was reported he had been severely sleep-deprived in the days before he disappeared. Despite extensive searches, his body was never found and investigators later considered the possibility of foul play.

If anyone knew Robert, saw his car on December 23–24, 1997, or has information about his movements that night, please come forward.