Seven years after Joshua “Black” Sneed vanished while walking to a DeLand convenience store, police are renewing their plea for public assistance in a case they now believe involves foul play.
According to the DeLand Police Department, Sneed was last seen at around 6 p.m. on June 6, 2019, when he left his residence in the Laurel Villa Apartment Complex to walk to a local convenience store and purchase cigarettes.
Investigators noted a crucial detail from the night of his disappearance, stating that Sneed may have gotten into a dark-colored, newer model vehicle with a Hispanic male.
After being unable to contact him for several weeks, Sneed’s family officially reported him missing on June 22, 2019. Relatives told law enforcement that Sneed regularly communicated with his family and friends, making his sudden disappearance highly unusual and completely out of character.
Additionally, authorities confirmed that Sneed’s social media accounts have remained inactive since he vanished.
Born on October 18, 1996, Sneed would be 29 years old today. He stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighs around 185 pounds, and has black hair and black eyes. DeLand police added that Sneed is “relatively soft spoken.”
Since the initial missing persons report, detectives have conducted an extensive and ongoing investigation. According to DeLand authorities, this has included numerous witness interviews, searches of multiple locations, forensic examinations, and the analysis of digital evidence.
The DeLand Police Department has also coordinated its efforts with other law enforcement agencies. Over the course of the investigation, detectives have been led to believe that Sneed may have been the victim of foul play.
The DeLand Police Department emphasized that the case remains open as they continue to actively pursue new leads and seek justice for Sneed and his loved ones.
Anyone with information regarding Sneed’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-626-7400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.