The family of a man missing since July is offering a $5,000 reward for information on his whereabouts.
James Ryan Taylor, 39, was last seen July 14, 2020, in the area of The Island near the Columbus Riverwalk. Columbus Police Department has been investigating his disappearance since then.
Police Chief Fred Shelton said investigators have spoken with Taylor’s family and friends, as well as everyone the family identified as possibly knowing where Taylor went. As recently as January, investigators were working with deputies at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama who thought they found Taylor’s vehicle, although that lead turned out to be a dead end, Shelton said.
“We have exhausted all our leads on that case,” he said.
Taylor, who goes by “Ryan,” is approximately 6-foot-3, 180 pounds and has brown hair. He drives a 2011 Ford Fiesta with the tag LTE7723 and was last seen wearing a white polo, tennis shoes and blue jeans.
Information sent by Taylor’s family said tipsters will not receive the reward unless Taylor is found alive or dead.
Shelton said anyone with information on Taylor should call CPD at 662-244-3552 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 800-530-7151. Taylor’s family members also said to call 662-241-1911 or 662-251-9042.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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