Basil Hutchinson - file

THE STAR's Missing You feature has assisted the police in locating Basil Hutchinson who was reported missing in August last year.

But, although he is the first person discovered, out of those published so far, the senior citizen was found dead in Claremont, St. Ann, shortly after he was reported as missing.

Hutchinson's story first appeared in THE STAR on November 21 after a relative returned home and did not find him there. Hutchinson, at the time, was said to be diabetic. Despite checks at several locations, including hospitals and morgues, Hutchinson was not found until last week.

Investigators in the matter saw Hutchinson's face in THE STAR as it appeared at least twice per month since the first time it was published.

Old wound

The family was notified but instead of joyous news that Hutchinson had been found, they had to deal with the reality that their loved one had died.

"It's like an old wound opened up. It's something we suspected all along but it just hit home when we found out he was dead," said a relative of Hutchinson.

"I would love to thank THE STAR and the police for the good work they have done. The work was wonderful. Right now we are preparing for the funeral," she said.

The Claremont police, who suspect foul play in the matter, said investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, THE STAR, in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), needs your help in finding the missing persons mentioned below. We hope you can assist us, and their loved ones left behind, in locating them. If you have seen these persons or know their whereabouts, please contact 119 or the nearest police station.

The families and relatives of David Ashley, Oshane Jones and Omar Dennis are still seeking your help.

Where is david Ashley

David Ashley has been missing since April last year. No one knows what happened to him after he left his home in Arnett Gardens, St. Andrew, to go to Greenwich Town to buy gas. Anyone knowing Ashley's whereabouts is being asked to contact 119, the Denham Town police at 923-6441, or Dennis Barrett at 464-6145.

Omar Dennis left home in 2006, and has not returned.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of any of the persons mentioned above is being asked to contact 119, or the nearest police station.

Oshane Jones disappeared last September. Jones, 12, went missing on September 4, after he went with friends to look for sticks to make catapults. His mother said the youngster went to a swamp with his friends and that was the last time he was seen.

To date, although several divers have combed the entire wetlands of the Lacovia area in St. Elizabeth, Jones remains missing. His mother is still hoping he will return home soon. If you have seen Jones or know of his whereabouts, do not hesitate to contact Beverley Anderson at 418-5814 or the Lacovia Police .