Jewel Ciearrow Sykes, 37, of the Roanoke Rapids area, was last heard from on February 2, 2023, in the 200 block of East Sixth Street in Weldon. A mother of three described by her sister as energetic and loving, she is about 5 feet 7 inches and 170 to 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Family members say she was at her boyfriend’s home on Pinewood Drive the day she disappeared; an argument reportedly occurred, and a friend who came to give her a ride found Jewel gone. The Weldon Police Chief said there were no initial signs of foul play. Jewel’s family reported no activity on her phone or bank accounts, and her sister has urged that the boyfriend be treated as a person of interest.

Jewel was not reported missing to the Weldon Police Department until March 3, 2023. Her Facebook account was later compromised and used to post a false ransom claim. The State Bureau of Investigation later joined the inquiry after the family pressed for a more thorough investigation. No one has been located and the search continues. If anyone knew Jewel’s movements on February 2, 2023, or has information about the Pinewood Drive location, please come forward.