John Paul Parton, 19, disappeared from High Ridge, Missouri in May 2021 after telling his parents on May 16 he was going camping with friends. That night he called to confess involvement in a Jefferson County burglary with three others, saying the group had stolen $2,000 in cash and drugs and was arguing over the split. That call was the last contact his family had; he was reported missing on May 28 as it was out of character for him to be unreachable.

Parton had been at an April 2021 party where 19-year-old Derontae Martin died from a gunshot wound to the head. Parton told his parents he thought Martin had been murdered; a coroner’s jury later ruled Martin’s death resulted from violence. Parton did not testify at the inquest because he was already missing.

In March 2024 Jefferson County detectives received new witness information. That led to the arrest of Thomas E. Tedo Gamble, 21, on May 1, 2024, on charges including first-degree murder, armed criminal action, tampering with physical evidence, and abandonment of a corpse in connection with Parton’s disappearance and presumed death. Witnesses reportedly placed Gamble at the scene, alleged he shot Parton on May 18, 2021, and said Gamble later confessed and tried to clean a vehicle and burn Parton’s body. Parton’s remains have not been found.

If anyone knew John Paul Parton, his movements in mid-May 2021, or has information about what happened, please come forward and share what you know.