Philly teen with cognitive disorder goes missing on Monday walk to school

NBC10 Philadelphia
Shaira Arias and Brendan Brightman
January 14, 2026

“She would never just disappear,” April Boulia told Dateline.

Family members of a missing 18-year-old living with a cognitive disorder say they believe an older man lured him through a popular online gaming app and is holding him against his will.

Jahmez Cartwright, whose disorder causes him to have the mind of a minor, was last seen on his way to school on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at the 6500 block of Linmore Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.

Cartwright’s family said they knew something was wrong when the school called and said he never made it to class.

“I am just heart token because he has never done anything like this,” said Stacey Crocker, Cartwright’s grandmother. “I just pray that he makes it back home safely.”

Detectives confirmed to NBC10 that Cartwright’s cell phone pinged to San Diego, California, the day after he went missing, even though his family said he doesn’t have an ID.

“He has been communicating with a specific person that we feel may have lured him out of the city,” said Aisha Green, Cartwright’s cousin. “He has never been outside Philly. He has no income.”

Photo credit: NBC10 Philadelphia