A Meridian family is finally finding closure more than 13 years after their loved one’s disappearance.

 

Julius TaDarious Jones went missing Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. His vehicle was found near an abandoned home a few days later on 27th Street, but police were unable to come up with any leads to his whereabouts and the case went cold.

 

In the years that followed, Tabitha Jones, Julius’ mother, channeled her grief into helping others, launching a support group for parents and families who have suffered unexpected tragedies like losing a child. The group also hosts an annual event in Julius’ honor offering gospel music, door prizes dancing and more.

 

Meridian Police Chief Deborah Naylor Young on Wednesday announced a set of human remains found in an abandoned home in the 2300 block of 35th Street in August 2024 were positively identified as Jones by the state crime lab.

 

Tabitha Jones said she wanted to believe her son would return alive but put her trust in God. Faith plays a strong role in her family, she said, and it is faith that brought her son home.

 

“Me, as a mother, kept the faith that he would come home alive, and that’s all I kept thinking that he was going to come home alive,” she said. “This is the way God brought him home, so this is how I have to accept it.

 

“Faith brought Julius TaDarious Jones home after 13 years. Faith brought him home,” she said.

 

Jyterria Gates, Julius’ youngest sister, said her older brother was a father figure to her growing up. He loved his family and cared for them a lot, she said.

 

“He was very thoughtful. He was very creative. He was very nurturing and caring for the people he loved, and he was genuine,” she said.

 

Beuncka Davis, a cousin, said she remembers Julius was a very funny person. A hair dresser by trade, she said he took to his work with a passion.

 

Joquasha Samuel, another of Julius’ sisters, said he loved his family and valued them in his life. While it took 13 years, she said, it is clear it was God who brought Julius home.

 

“Man definitely didn’t find him, God did, and everything happens for a reason,” she said.

 

Lovezion Jones, Julius’ younger brother, said he has grown up learning about Julius through the memories of others, but has come to understand that he was an amazing person. While receiving news that Julius is dead is hard to take, he said he wants to thank God for giving the family closure at last.

 

“I feel like God wouldn’t never gave us some closure if the family wasn’t prepared and right spiritually to hear the news,” he said.

 

Lovezion said he also wants to thank the police department for their efforts to locate his brother over the years, and his mother for her persistence in keeping the search alive.

 

Although what happened to his family is horrible, Lovezion said he and his siblings now know what happened to their brother. Hopefully, their story will bring some hope to other families in similar situations that their loved ones can be found as well, he said.

 

Jatoria Kirksey, another of Julius’ sisters, said the family wishes for a better outcome but can find some closure knowing now where he is.

 

“Although while we are saddened by the news, and we didn’t want him to come back this way,” she said. “But we are thankful, and we’re open to communication with various offices about what’s the next steps to receiving justice.”

 

Jasheika Hodges, also Julius’ sister, said she is glad her brother has been found at last. The family now has closure she said, but now it also wants justice for what happened.

 

Tavia Brown, a good friend of the family, said she has been amazed by the strength the Jones family has shown throughout the ordeal. The work together as a team and support one another, she said, and she knows Julius is proud of them.

 

Chief Young said MPD is waiting on results from the state medical examiner’s office to know cause of death in Julius’ case. Once investigators have that report, they will have a better understanding whether the case should remain a missing persons case or become a homicide investigation.

 

Although their son and brother is gone, Hodges said the Jones family is not without his memory as her son, Julius TaDarious Jones, carries on his uncle’s name.