News Summary
The story of Charles ‘CJ’ Keeter, a 22-year-old with Down syndrome and autism, captivated San Antonio as the community rallied to find him after he went missing during a championship game. Local authorities and volunteers joined forces in a nine-hour search that ended joyously with CJ’s safe return. His mother, Joanna, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, highlighting the powerful connections within the community that helped bring her son back home.
San Antonio Comes Together to Find Missing 22-Year-Old Charles “CJ” Keeter
The heartwarming story of Charles “CJ” Keeter, a 22-year-old young man with Down syndrome and autism, has captured the attention of many after a frantic search that ended in joy on April 6, 2025. CJ went missing in the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas while attending the NCAA Men’s Final Four championship game with his mother, Joanna Paige McElvy Keeter. Traveling all the way from Millbrook, Alabama, the duo had high hopes for an unforgettable weekend, but things quickly took a concerning turn.
The Disappearance
It was around 9:42 a.m. when CJ slipped out from the home of friends, Michael and Michelle Zimmerman. Wearing camouflage clothing, including a jacket adorned with a “Zimmerman” tag, Air Force-style pants, combat boots, and a hat that read “Outdoor Alabama”, he peacefully walked away from the yard. The moment Joanna noticed he was gone, panic set in, leading her to check the Ring camera footage. Those images revealed CJ saluting the flags before making his way into the unknown.
As a teacher and single mom, Joanna Keeter immediately contacted the police, voicing her fears for CJ’s safety. His cognitive ability resembles that of a 3-year-old, and being non-verbal added to the urgency of the situation. This prompted the San Antonio Police Department to issue an endangered missing person alert—a move that drew attention from various local authorities and volunteers.
The Search Party
The hours that followed CJ’s disappearance were filled with anxiety and fear as multiple police departments and volunteer groups joined forces to find him. As the community rallied together, there was a palpable sense of hope that pierced through the desperation. Volunteers from Alamo Area Search & Rescue even brought canine teams to assist in the effort, while local church groups organized searches and provided support and comfort to CJ’s worried family.
Throughout the day, the story spread like wildfire on social media, with posts about CJ being shared over 12,000 times. It was a heartening display of human compassion, underlining how people can come together in times of crisis. This collaboration between law enforcement, volunteers, and the community made it increasingly likely for CJ to be found safe.
A Joyful Reunion
After an arduous search lasting nine hours, the moment everyone had prayed for finally arrived. CJ was found safe in downtown San Antonio, approximately 5.9 miles from where he had last been seen. A fellow Auburn basketball fan, having recognized him from social media posts, made the vital call to alert the police, showcasing how community connections can lead to outstanding results.
When Joanna and CJ were finally reunited, there was an overwhelming wave of relief. CJ, characterized by his joyful spirit, seemed to be enjoying his “adventure,” providing a beautiful moment of lightness in what had been an emotionally charged day. Grateful for the unwavering support her family received, Joanna reflected on how their safe return was a testament to the power of faith and community.
The Aftermath
After being located, CJ was offered water and something to eat by hotel staff, hinting at the long and uncertain hours he had been away without food or drink. This incident only highlights the challenges faced by families with children who have special needs, especially in large crowds or unfamiliar environments.
While CJ’s story ended on a positive note, it serves as a clarion call for the community to remain vigilant and prepared. Families navigating the complexities of special needs may face additional hurdles; however, the compassion and quick action from the public can make all the difference. Here’s hoping CJ enjoys many more adventures, but perhaps the next one with a little more supervision!
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: Charles Keeter
- WSFA 12 News
- Google Search: Charles Keeter
- WRBL News
- Google Scholar: Down Syndrome Missing Persons
- WSFA 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA Final Four
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google News: San Antonio Missing Persons
