Raleigh father pleads for answers 1 year after son's disappearance

Rakeem Elliott, 34, was last seen walking along I-40 in January 2025 after an argument with his brother.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:55am

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A Raleigh father, Dwight Elliott, has been searching for his 34-year-old son Rakeem Elliott for over a year since he went missing in January 2025. Rakeem was last seen walking along I-40 after an argument with his brother, and the family has heard nothing from him since then. The police have found footage of Rakeem walking on the interstate, but there have been no other leads in the case.

Why it matters

Rakeem's disappearance has devastated his family, who are desperate for answers and closure. The case highlights the challenges of missing persons investigations, especially when the individual does not have their phone or wallet, leaving few clues for authorities to follow.

The details

According to Dwight Elliott, Rakeem was driving with his brother when they had an argument, which the family describes as common. Rakeem then got out of the car along I-40 at the Hammond Road Exit and started walking. His brother sped off and went home. Raleigh Police said an NCDOT camera at I-40 and Garner Road showed Rakeem walking along the interstate on the same day he was last seen. Investigators noted the challenge of the case is that Rakeem did not have his cell phone or wallet, and there are no leads.

  • Rakeem was last seen on January 12, 2025.
  • The family has been searching for Rakeem for over a year since his disappearance.

The players

Dwight Elliott

Rakeem Elliott's father, who has been searching for his son for over a year since his disappearance.

Rakeem Elliott

A 34-year-old man who went missing in January 2025 after an argument with his brother while driving on I-40.

Raleigh Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Rakeem Elliott's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“I sit in my chair at night and look out at the road, hoping I might see him.”

— Dwight Elliott, Rakeem Elliott's father

“That's not his usual behavior. He has the same clothes. No ID. He calls home every day. He comes home. After at least three or four days, we knew something was wrong.”

— Dwight Elliott, Rakeem Elliott's father

What’s next

The family is planning another search for Rakeem on March 14. If anyone has information about his disappearance, they are encouraged to contact the Raleigh Police Department.

The takeaway

Rakeem Elliott's disappearance has left his family devastated and searching for answers. The case highlights the challenges of missing persons investigations, especially when the individual does not have their personal belongings, and the importance of community support and cooperation with law enforcement in these difficult situations.