Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: May 20, 1980 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Classification: Non-Family Abduction Date Of Birth: October 15, 1976 Age: 3 years old Height and Weight: 3'0, 50 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: African-American male. Black hair, brown eyes.
Details of Disappearance
Townsend's mother, Augusta Walker, left him in the care of her friend, Roscoe Pierce, while she worked on May 20, 1980 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Townsend was last seen with Pierce in Lauderhill, Florida, later during the day. The child has never been heard from again.After Walker alerted law enforcement regarding her son's disappearance, investigators learned that Pierce was a fugitive from New York. He was wanted on a sexual molestation charge and fled from the state some time earlier. Florida authorities located Pierce on May 22, two days after Townsend initially vanished. When investigators attempted to question Pierce about the child's case, he reached for an officer's weapon and was shot by law enforcement. Pierce refused to divulge Townsend's location before he died later in the day. Townsend's case remains open; foul play is suspected due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Broward County Sheriff's Office
954-480-4300
The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children
The Miami Herald
Broward County Sheriff's Office
Florida Department Of Law Enforcement