Search continues for missing Wilkins Township teenager a year after disappearance

WILKINS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — We’re hearing from the family of a teenager who mysteriously disappeared a year ago. Jayshawn Fountain was a junior at Propel Braddock Hills. He had only been going to school there for about a month. On a Friday afternoon, one year ago, he left school and hasn’t been seen since.

>> Wilkins Township police asking for public’s help to find missing teenager

“No idea,” said Tonya King. “No idea. I have no clue.”

On February 24, 2023, Jayshawn Fountain was supposed to meet King, his aunt, after school at the Starbucks in Wilkins Township.

“Waiting,” said King. “Waiting. About an hour passed. I called and said, ‘J where are you?’ Nothing. No response.”

That day, she reported him missing.

“They said they found a bookbag in Wilkinsburg in a vacant house on the step,” said King. “I said please describe it, and they did. And that was Jayshawn’s bookbag.”

Since then, King says there’s been nothing. Last month, Jayshawn’s picture was included in an article in People Magazine entitled “Gone Without a Trace: Help Us Find These 10 Missing Children.” The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children sent out a call for media attention the day before the year mark since his disappearance.

“I’m in prayer,” said King. “Every day. You know I’m in prayer every day about Jayshawn and his return. I haven’t given up and I don’t really feel that the worse has happened. I don’t know why. I just don’t have that feeling.”

And because of that feeling, King has this message for Jayshawn.

“Jayshawn,” said King. “I love you. We love you. Family loves you. We miss you. I need you back. I need to know you’re safe.”

Allegheny County Police says this case remains active and ongoing and are asking that you call the County Tip Line if have any information about Jayshawn. That number is 1-833-ALL-TIPS.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group