Search for missing exchange student expands

Search for missing exchange student expands

Erica Terrini

News Editor

The search continues for the missing 22-year-old exchange student from Guernsey, England, who was last seen on campus on March 2. The VCU Police Department is joined by students, family and friends in their efforts to locate the student.
Jonathan “Jonny” S. Dorey is a geography major who lives in the Gladding Residence Center.

According to press statement issued by VCU Police Chief John Venuti, Dorey is between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet tall, weighs between 180 and 200 pounds and has brown hair. Dorey wears glasses and was last seen wearing a blue and white plaid jacket with a hood and dark blue jeans. He was riding a black mountain bike.

Venuti stated police have no reason to believe foul play is involved in Dorey’s disappearance, but would like to talk to anyone who has seen Dorey.

Lorna Yarberry, a friend of Dorey and a communication arts major stated in an e-mail she was informed of his disappearance Wednesday afternoon when mutual friends called asking if she had seen him. Yarberry stated Dorey was a frequent bike rider and the search had extended to trails Dorey had been known to ride.

“A friend works for the K-9 Alert search and rescue for Henrico and she and her dog and the rest of the team with state-certified search dogs were out around the river today looking for him,” Yarberry stated. They didn’t find anything yet they’re going to continue to search the area and the river.”

Yarberry stated some of Dorey’s friends, including an officer, covered all the paths and grounds at Belle Isle (north and south ends) and the trails of Hollywood Cemetary.
The rest of Northbank Trail still needs to be checked, though there are cyclists who use those trails everyday.

According to Yarberry, students and friends have been working closely with the the VCU Police Department, which has checked hospitals and local jails daily. Students, family and friends have searched the Greyhound station, used bike shops and local pawnshops for Dorey’s bike. A picture of Dorey’s bike will be dropped off at those shops.

Dorey’s parents flew over from Guernsey and arrived Sunday to aid in the search.
Yarberry stated a Facebook event and group has been created to broaden the search. The Help find Jonny Facebook group has 3,999 members and the event has 3,652 confirmed guests.

“We have contacted everyone we know that he had or could have contact with in the last few days,” Yarberry stated.

Dorey’s dorm room and laptop history have been searched, fliers have been distributed around the city and plans have been made to check downtown bars and distribute fliers there.

“Just keep your eyes open and any and all tips that might lead to his finding would be greatly appreciated,” Yarberry stated.

Those with information should contact Sgt. P. Abrams with VCU Police at 828-6409 or VCU Police Communications at 828-1196.