A 71-year-old elder from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has been missing for months, and the story of his disappearance has shifted from an urgent early search to a case that officials describe as “open but functionally inactive.” But for his family—and for the volunteers who keep showing up—this is not a case that’s fading away.

Wesley Dixon Jones, known to loved ones by the nickname “Buller,” was reported missing on October 5, 2025. Since then, his family, tribal authorities, and outside agencies have pursued leads across rugged terrain and waterways near the reservation. At various points, the search involved canines, aerial resources, drones, sonar, and even an FBI dive team.

Now, even after Umatilla Tribal Police said they’ve exhausted their leads, community search efforts continue—driven by one goal: bring him home.

The last confirmed sighting

According to multiple updates and a missing poster circulated publicly, Wesley Dixon Jones’ last known sighting was captured on camera at approximately 3:15 p.m. on October 5, 2025, on Short Mile Road (also referenced as East Short Mile Road) on or near the Umatilla Indian Reservation, close to Pendleton, Oregon.

Jones was seen as a passenger in a gray 2003 Ford Escape. The detail that has haunted investigators and family alike is what happened next:

• The vehicle later returned west on the same road—
• and Jones was no longer visible inside.

The driver has not been publicly identified, with authorities citing the ongoing investigation.

The missing poster includes a key vehicle identifier: the Ford Escape’s license plate SM15254.

Reporting him missing

That same night, when Jones did not return home, his family reported him missing at approximately 10:44 p.m. This is not a situation where someone had a history of disappearing or losing contact, according to family and investigators—his loved ones described the disappearance as highly unusual.

Jones was known as a deeply experienced outdoorsman, raised in traditional Washut ways, and familiar with the river corridors and ridgelines around the Umatilla River.

His daughter, Mollyanne Jones, described daily searches and a community response that has remained steady even as time has passed. She also raised concerns that many families in MMIP cases share: limited resources available to sustain intensive searches.

What he was wearing and his description

Publicly shared details have remained consistent across reporting and the missing poster:

• Native American male, 71 years old
• About 5’8”, approximately 140 pounds
• Brown eyes, black/gray hair (long black hair is also repeatedly noted)
• Last seen wearing:
  • Black/red Tiger Scott jacket
  • Black shirt
  • Black sweatpants
  • Boots

Early searches: canines, aerial searches, and family-led efforts

In the first weeks after Oct. 5, Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) worked with Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue. Public reporting documented:

• Two canine searches
• Two ground searches
• Three aerial searches

Family efforts happened in parallel and often daily, including searching on foot, on horseback, and by kayak along areas near the river and near Jones’ property.

One notable detail from both family and investigators: canine trackers reportedly led search efforts toward the water. That detail helped shape subsequent search focus around waterways.

Detective William Morris of UTPD, who has been publicly linked to the case from early on, indicated the circumstances did not fit a simple “lost” scenario—saying it was unlikely Jones was merely lost, particularly given what he knew of Jones and the unusual circumstances.

The case expands and the FBI gets involved

As the weeks progressed, officials said the search expanded beyond the original area. Investigators did not publicly specify all locations being searched, pointing to the sensitivity of an ongoing investigation.

In early December, the case took a major turn: the FBI took over the missing persons case and issued a missing person alert. The FBI stated Jones may have gone fishing on the Umatilla River, but also did not rule out foul play.

On December 10, an FBI dive team searched Johnley Pond using specialized equipment. Officials reported they did not detect anything resembling human remains, and no additional searches were scheduled at that time.

January 6 update: “Open but functionally inactive”

On January 6, 2026, Umatilla Tribal Police stated they had exhausted all leads.

Detective William Morris described a crucial distinction that can be confusing to the public:

the case is open, but functionally inactive—meaning it remains a live case in status, but without new leads, there are no active investigative steps underway.

UTPD also said they would still follow up on any new information and were open to outside help if new leads emerge. Morris said the department would later assess whether to designate the case as a cold case, which would mean it remains open but not actively worked unless new evidence appears.

Tip line: UTPD encouraged anyone with information to call 541-278-0550.
The missing poster also lists a direct contact for Detective Morris: 541-969-7139.

“We are not going to stop”: community search continues

Even after official searches were suspended, the MMIW Search and Hope Alliance publicly committed to continuing the search.

Founder Kimberly Lining said the group would return with volunteers and continue coming back “no matter how long it takes.” The organization also emphasized an important limitation: while they planned to maintain courtesy communication with authorities, they did not plan to run joint operations with law enforcement once official searches were suspended.

Lining expressed frustration with the decision to stop official searches after only a few months and said she had reached out to the Department of Justice, arguing that law enforcement involvement matters in part because of the ability to pursue warrants for private property.

Meanwhile, Jones’ family has continued searching independently.

Why this case matters

There are missing persons stories that fade quietly into the background. This one hasn’t—because the stakes are human, immediate, and deeply tied to a broader crisis.

Wesley Dixon Jones is not just a name on a flyer. He’s a 71-year-old elder, a father, a grandfather, and a community member whose disappearance has left a painful uncertainty behind. The ongoing community response also underscores something families in MMIP cases often say out loud: when systems slow down, community becomes the engine.

Whether new information emerges tomorrow or months from now, the case remains what Detective Morris described—open—and what the family and volunteers have insisted from day one—not over.

How to help

If you have any information—no matter how small—about Wesley Dixon Jones’ disappearance, especially sightings of the vehicle or activity along Short Mile Road around the time he went missing:

• Umatilla Tribal Police Department: 541-278-0550
• Detective William Morris: 541-969-7139
• You can also contact your local law enforcement.

Key identifiers to remember:

• Missing since Oct. 5, 2025
• Last seen about 3:15 p.m. on Short Mile Road
• Vehicle: 2003 gray Ford Escape
• Plate: SM15254