Search intensifies for two teens missing since last week

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Volunteers are combing the area where the boys were last seen

BAYTOWN, TX (KTRK) -- Two Robert E. Lee High School students from Baytown haven't been in class and friends and family are very worried something has happened to them. Jarvis Morgan, 17, and Alex Chavez, 18, were both last seen by family Wednesday at 8pm.

The search is focusing on an area near Northwood and Garth. Officers searched the area over the weekend but more manpower was added with friends, family and the help of Texas Equusearch.

"We wanted to get the drones up because we can cover a lot of ground with the drones. Unfortunately it's too cloudy, overcast," said Tim Miller with Texas Equusearch. "We wanted to get boats in the water with the sonar equipment. Unfortunately, we had some wind and it's pretty cold to do that."

Jarvis Morgan, 17, (right) and Alejandro Chavez, 18, (left) were last seen by family on Wednesday, February 19 at 8pm

Jarvis is 5'8" tall, weighs 140 pounds, has short black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a red hooded sweater over a black shirt, red shorts and red shoes. Alejandro is 5'10" tall, weighs 170 pounds, has short black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a black polo shirt and camouflage shorts.

Relatives believe the two were headed to an apartment complex in a high crime area. Jack Boggess with Texas Equusearch said, "Right now it's just a mystery. We're trying to help the family and the police."

Family members have also told police they believe a female may have lured them here for some reason. Community activist Quanell X said, "These young men did not come in here and disappear off the face of the earth for no reason. We believe foul play is involved."

Baytown police say they have not verified that, but spent the weekend asking questions. The car the two close friends were last seen in was found Monday morning. Police say the 2013 black Nissan Altima was found near the Fred Hartman Bridge and Marina Bay Apartments. The teens were nowhere near the area.

Anyone with information that could help authorities locate these young men is asked to call Baytown police at 281-422-8371 or Baytown Crime Stoppers at 281-427-TIPS(8477). Viewers may also submit anonymous tips online or text keyword Baytown plus their tip to 274637 (CRIMES).