‘One truth remains – Someone knows something’: Family, Alabama NAACP speaks on continued search for Ronald Dumas Jr.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama NAACP held a news conference to discuss how they are supporting the Huntsville Police Department’s efforts to locate realtor Ronald Dumas Jr, and how they are supporting the family.

In the news conference, several people spoke, including Dumas’ father, his aunt, the mothers of his children, the family’s private investigator, the first VP of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and Alabama NAACP officials.

The family said they were encouraged by the support from the NAACP as well as the communication from HPD.

Ronald Dumas Sr., the father of Ronald Dumas Jr,. spoke first at the news conference. He thanked everyone involved in the case and encouraged people with information to call the HPD tip line to help find his son.

“You never thought in your life would come to this,” he said.

Michelle Dumas, Ronnie’s aunt, was next.

“If you know something, just call the police,” she said.

Both of the mothers of Dumas’ children spoke. First up was Talia Berryhill, the mother of Dumas’ two daughters.

“To his family, he is life, he is love,” she said. She then spoke directly to Ronald, saying, “We miss you more than words can express. Not a moment passes where we are not thinking of you.”

“One truth remains: Someone knows something,” Berryhill said.

Shakeria Samples, the mother of Dumas’s son, spoke next.

“This is far from over. 3 suspects are still out there,” she said. “Our children need their daddy.”

Jasmaine Deloach was up next to speak at the news conference. She is the Executive Director of Angel Arms Operation Exploited and Missing Persons.

“If you see something, please say something. Too many stories have gone unnoticed,” she said. “We’re not gonna stop until we get them.”

The family’s private investigator, James Andrews, spoke next. He said there was not a lot of new evidence to share. However, he said the family appreciated HPD sitting down with the family and sharing what information they had. He added that HPD has been working on the case behind the scenes. “We’re just trying to find Ronnie and bring him home,” Andrews said.

Sharita Whitehead, the first VP for the local NAREB chapter, said, “As an organization, we hope and pray for a safe return.”

Next to speak was Dr. Christian Williams Brown. She is the President of Huntsville-Madison County NAACP. She said this case hits close to home since her child was previously human trafficked.

“There is no greater pain than a parent not knowing where their child is,” she said. “Each of us has a duty to support our neighbors in a time of need. Right now, the Dumas family needs all of us. They’re calling upon the community to help.”

Benard Simelton Sr., the President of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP. Simleton said the organization stood there today to stand with the Dumas family.

To report anything in this investigation, Simelton gave a number for people to call and give tips: 1-800-222-8477.

“The family is hurting. And you can help stop this pain that they are going through right now,” Simelton said. He also added that the NAACP might organize another search party for Dumas.

Simelton said the NAACP is committed to making sure everyone knows about this case, “From north to south and east to west.”

Next was a question-and-answer portion of the news conference

When asked about this morning’s meeting with HPD, Dumas Sr. said, “No additional information was given or forthcoming that would not interfere with the investigation.” Dumas Sr. also added that they have set up a weekly update meeting with HPD to continue the increased communication from law enforcement to the family.

Simelton added that the NAACP is not working alone. He said they are one piece of the puzzle to put things together.

“Our only objective is to bring Ron Jr. home,” he said.

The family said there will be a community prayer at Hope Community Church tonight at 7 p.m.

Dumas was last seen leaving a liquor store off of University Drive on December 15. His car was found abandoned on I-40 near Camden, Tennessee, on December 16, and his phone pinged heading towards Memphis hours later.

A missing persons report was filed on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, and he was placed on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Missing Persons List as a missing adult on Dec. 23.

In February, Huntsville Police upgraded the missing persons case to an abduction, saying they obtained “critical new evidence” and had reason to believe five people were involved in kidnapping Dumas.

Two of the five people wanted in Dumas’s disappearance, Quintarious White and Kierra Clark, were arrested in Shelby County, Tenn., on April 9.

News 19 has been following this case closely and will keep you updated on it here. We will also be in attendance at the candlelight vigil on Monday at Hope Community Church. You can find more here on the Search for Ronald Dumas Jr.

You can watch the full NAACP news conference linked at the top of the article.