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Although African Americans make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population, we account for 33 percent of the missing in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s database. Cases involving African Americans also tend to receive less media coverage than missing Whites, with missing men of color getting even less attention.

NewsOne has partnered with the Black and Missing Foundation to focus on the crisis of missing African Americans.

To be a part of the solution, NewsOne will profile missing persons  and provide tips about how to keep your loved ones safe and what to do if someone goes missing.


Jerome Baker

Case Type: Endangered

DOB: January 1, 1989

Missing Date: May 15, 2016

Age Now: 27

Missing City: St. Louis

Missing State: Missouri

Gender: Male

Race: Black

Complexion: Light

Height: 5-8

Weight: 160

Hair Color: Black

Hair Length: Short

Eye Color: Brown

Wear Glasses or Contacts: No

Location Last Seen: At his home in the 6000 block of Bartmer.

Circumstances of Disappearance: According to Baker’s family, he was planning a day of fun at Six Flags with his son, family, and friends. But when his best friend arrived to pick Baker up, he wasn’t there.

Baker’s mother Maurnice Baker told NewsOne that her son’s belongings were still at the home, including his cash and identification.

“He calls me at least ten times a day everyday. That’s not like him at all,” said Baker, a worker with St. Louis public schools.

Baker said her son was working at Domino’s while pursuing a career as a rap artist. His group met with some record companies last year and they had their own production company. Baker said her son had also just bought his first property, a fixer-upper, and was in the process of repairing it in the hopes of providing for his family.

“His focus was to make sure his siblings and kids were good,” said Baker. “I can’t see him running off.”

Baker said police have told her they have no leads in the case and they can’t find anyone who would have a motive to harm her son.

The disappearance has been hard on Jerome’s family. Baker said her son’s young daughter keeps asking when they are going to find her father, and his 7-year-old sibling thinks Jerome is just hiding. Baker tries to stay composed for the sake of the family.

“Some days I’m stronger than others. I try not to let people see me cry because I have to make sure everyone is okay. When I need to cry I go off in a room by myself. It’s unreal,” Baker said.

And she has a message for her son: “If you needed a break, I understand. But come home. Your kids need you and your family needs you. Just come home.”

Last Seen Wearing: Dark denim jeans with white waist level shirt.

Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Full beard, gold grill on bottom teeth. Baker has tattoos located on his arms and chest, as well as daddy ducklings on his right forearm with the name of his daughters. He also has ‘mommas boy’ tattooed on the left side of his neck and his birth year on his chest.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance or whereabouts of Jerome Baker may contact the St. Louis Police Department at (314) 444-5738 or the Black and Missing Foundation’s confidential Tip Line.

SEE ALSO:

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