Memphis — What began as a frantic search for a missing young father and court clerk ended in devastating loss this week when 26‑year‑old Donnell Roberts was reportedly found dead inside his vehicle parked near Winridge Elementary School in Whitehaven. The discovery has left family, friends and the community reeling with grief.
Roberts, a Cordova resident and principal court clerk with the Shelby County Circuit Court, had been missing since the night of December 22, 2025, when he was last seen leaving his home just before 8 p.m. driving his white 2017 Nissan Altima. He was headed toward Whitehaven from the Macon Road and Whitten Road area, but never arrived as planned.
In the days that followed, his loved ones held onto hope, posting his photo on social media, offering a $10,000 reward for information, and appealing to the public for help locating him. His mother described him as responsible and loving, someone who would never voluntarily disappear, especially around the holidays when he should have been with his young daughter.
That hope turned to sorrow when reports emerged that Roberts’ body had been discovered inside his car parked in the school’s lot. Local eyewitness accounts suggested the vehicle had been stationary for several days before authorities were alerted to a possible body on scene. Some unverified reports from social platforms indicated that the vehicle may have had signs of trauma, and scanner traffic suggested the possibility of a shooting, though official confirmation from Memphis police or the sheriff’s office had not been issued at the time of this writing.
Roberts’ death has sparked an outpouring of emotion online as friends and family rush to share memories and pay tribute to a man described as kind, quiet, and deeply connected to those around him. Posts honoring his life emphasized the void his loss leaves, and the pain felt by his daughter, parents and community.
As investigation efforts continue, law enforcement has asked anyone with information about Roberts’ final movements to come forward. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office had earlier issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) and requested the public’s assistance in tracing his steps in the crucial hours before his disappearance.
For now, the community mourns a promising life cut short. Family members are urging anyone who knew Roberts or saw something unusual in the days before his disappearance to reach out to authorities. His loved ones hope that answers — and perhaps some measure of peace — will come from the ongoing inquiries.
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