Jonathan Morales, 13, was last seen at his home in China Grove, North Carolina, on December 26, 2025. His family reported him missing to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office on December 29 when he did not contact them; they described his absence as uncharacteristic. Jonathan is 5 feet, 2 inches tall, about 125 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes.

Investigators established that Jonathan told a friend he was in the Gastonia area and later used a friend’s phone to ask his mother for a ride from Gastonia; the ride never happened. How he got from China Grove to Gastonia is unknown. Reported sightings in Gastonia and unconfirmed witness tips about travel toward Charlotte were not verified. Authorities, including the FBI and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, examined his electronic and social media accounts and found no credible activity since December 2025. Investigators also noted possible prior associations with people involved in gang activity and have explored that as a lead. A combined $2,000 reward was offered for information leading to his safe return.

Does anyone in China Grove, Gastonia, or along routes toward Charlotte remember seeing Jonathan in late December 2025 or have information that could help locate him?