Jewel Dewayne Bendolph, 38, was found dead on March 5, 2024, in a secluded area off Dewey Heights Road in northeastern Jefferson County, Alabama, after his family reported him missing two days earlier. He had last been in Pinson, and his body was discovered miles from where he was last seen.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office opened a homicide investigation after evidence suggested his body had been intentionally hidden. Family members say the last contact came during a phone call in which his grandmother believed she heard a struggle. An anonymous tip led investigators to the scene, and a detective later confirmed the family’s worst fears.

No suspects or arrests have been publicly identified. Family and community members remember Bendolph as generous and kind. Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama is offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.

If anyone knew Jewel, saw him in late February or early March 2024, or has information about his disappearance or death, please come forward.