Jewel Dewayne Bendolph, 38, was reported missing to family on March 3, 2024 after a final phone call to his grandmother during which she heard what she believed was a struggle and his voice telling someone to get back before the line went dead. Two days later, on March 5, 2024, his body was found in a shallow grave in Pinson, Alabama — more than 20 miles from where he had last been seen. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office opened a homicide investigation, citing signs that an effort had been made to conceal the body.

Family members remember Bendolph as humble and loving and say they suspect he was lured because of a large gambling win; his sister has specifically suggested the person who lost money to him may be responsible. No arrests have been announced and investigators are asking the public for information that could identify those responsible.

Does anyone have information about Bendolph’s movements in early March 2024 or about a gambling dispute that could help investigators?