Above Images: Benton, circa 2004
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: January 6, 2004 from Lufkin, Texas Classification: Endangered Missing Date of Birth: January 22, 1985 Age: 18 years old Height and Weight: 5'4 - 5'6, 118 - 140 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian male. Black hair, hazel eyes. Benton has a scar on the left side of his forehead and a horizontal scar under his left eye. He has a tattoo of a mushroom on his left calf, a tattoo of the name "Smokey Joe" on his left forearm, the words "Love" and "Hate" tattooed across his knuckles on both hands, and a tattoo of a cross between his right thumb and forefinger. Benton's left ear is pierced and he is missing several teeth. His nicknames are Joe and Smokey Joe. Clothing/Jewelry Description: A small gold hoop earring. Clothing unknown, but he usually wears a t-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap.
Details of Disappearance
Benton last contacted his family at approximately 5:00 p.m. on January 6, 2004 in Lufkin, Texas. He has never been heard from again. Benton's brown and tan 1987 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck was later found abandoned southeast of Angelina County on Parker Point Road near Zavalla, Texas. His case remains unsolved. Foul play is possible.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 3 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated March 28, 2012; two pictures added.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Tyler County Sheriff's Department
409-283-2172
The National Center for Missing Adults
Texas Department of Public Safety
NamUs