Joint Task Force Investigates Houston County Missing Person - UPDATE

Warner Robins, GA (September 30, 2020) – The Joint Task Force investigating the disappearance of Jesus Mancilla-Velez is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a camera found by investigators during a search of Mancilla-Velez’s vehicle. A black Q-See brand video camera was located in the vehicle. The camera has lime green or beige paint on the side of the camera, has one red and one yellow connector, and appears to have been unplugged. (See attached photos) If anyone is familiar with this camera or is missing this type camera from their home or business since September 4, 2020, please contact the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-8477 or https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Warner Robins, Houston County, GA (September 18, 2020) – On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, a joint task force was formed to search for missing person Jesus Mancilla-Velez, age 35.  The task force includes the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department and the Fort Valley Police Department. 

On Saturday, September 5, 2020, an abandoned vehicle was found on a dirt road by a landowner in Crawford County, Georgia.  It was later identified as Mancilla-Velez’ vehicle. 

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department and Fort Valley Police Department initiated a missing person investigation.  Before leading the task force, the GBI was assisting with processing the vehicle and Mancilla-Velez’s residence.

There have been extensive efforts to locate Mancilla-Velez. The joint task force will expand the search in Houston, Peach and Crawford Counties. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-8477 or https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.