| Names | Janelle Morgan & Jalisa Morgan |
|---|---|
| Age at Disappearance | 15 years old |
| Date Missing | March 18, 2004 |
| Last Seen | Near Cooney Circle, Augusta, Georgia |
| Case Status | Still missing – treated as a kidnapping case |
| Race | African American |
| Investigation Update | Renewed attention and leads in 2025 |
| Key Suspect | Raymond Pike (no charges yet) |
| Family Advocate | Shanta Sturgis (sister) |
| Reward | Active for credible information |
The Mysterious Disappearance of the Morgan Twins
On March 18, 2004, a warm spring afternoon in Augusta, Georgia, 15-year-old twin sisters Janelle and Jalisa Morgan left their family’s apartment on Cooney Circle to visit a relative. What should have been a simple visit turned into a two-decade-long nightmare. The twins were never seen again, and the mystery surrounding their disappearance remains unsolved to this day.
Now, in 2025, after more than 21 years of unanswered questions, the case has gained renewed attention thanks to new leads, public advocacy, and heightened media focus. A name that’s emerged in connection with the investigation is Raymond Pike, a convicted offender whose possible link to the kidnapping is under review by law enforcement, though no charges have been filed.
This blog post will explore the tragic story of the Millbrook twins, the ongoing investigation, and the growing public movement demanding justice for these young girls and all missing children of color.
A Community Still Searching: The Early Details
On the day they disappeared, Janelle and Jalisa were dressed casually, not showing any signs of stress or unusual behavior. Witnesses confirmed the girls were seen walking along Cooney Circle, a familiar area near their family’s residence. They never reached their destination, and the hours quickly turned into days, weeks, and years.
Initial efforts to find the girls were met with minimal media attention and limited police resources. Despite the desperate pleas from their family, the story barely made national headlines—a tragic reality faced by many families of missing Black children.
Why This Case Matters: The Impact of Racial Disparities in Missing Persons Reports
The Morgan twins’ case became a rallying cry for advocates who fight for equal visibility in missing persons cases. Statistically, missing Black children receive significantly less media attention and law enforcement urgency compared to their white counterparts. This disparity has led to systemic neglect and a lack of critical early leads in countless cases.
Organizations such as the Black and Missing Foundation have worked tirelessly to bring attention to cases like the Morgan twins. In recent years, their efforts, combined with public activism, have elevated the case to national attention.
2025: A Renewed Push for Answers
The year 2025 marks a turning point. Fueled by growing public pressure and the tireless efforts of family members—especially their sister, Shanta Sturgis—the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reopened and intensified the investigation.
According to officials, a new wave of forensic analysis, digital reconstructions, and interviews is underway. Federal agencies have also joined the effort, bringing advanced technology and additional resources to uncover what happened on that fateful day in 2004.
One name under scrutiny is Raymond Pike, a convicted felon whose criminal history and timeline may place him in proximity to the twins’ disappearance. While no formal charges have been filed, authorities are thoroughly reviewing his background for any potential links to the case.
Public Support and Media Attention Rise
Documentary series and investigative journalism have played a crucial role in reviving the case. In 2023, a national true crime docuseries featured the Morgan twins’ story, highlighting the long-standing failures in the investigation and prompting renewed calls for justice.
Social media has also emerged as a powerful tool. Hashtags like #JusticeForTheMorganTwins and #BringJanelleAndJalisaHome have helped circulate their photos, timelines, and facts across millions of users, significantly expanding awareness and community engagement.
Family: A Beacon of Hope and Persistence
Throughout the years, one thing has remained constant—the unwavering commitment of the Morgan family to bring Janelle and Jalisa home. Sister Shanta Sturgis has been a tireless advocate, speaking out in interviews, organizing events, and demanding transparency from law enforcement.
“We’ve waited 21 years for answers,” Sturgis said in a recent interview. “We will not stop until Janelle and Jalisa come home or we know what happened.”
Her voice represents not just her sisters, but every family who has endured the heartbreak of a missing loved one without justice.
How You Can Help
If you have any information, no matter how minor it may seem, authorities urge you to come forward. Tips from the public could be the missing piece needed to finally solve this case.
Contact:
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
Anonymous Tip Line: (706) 821-1080
You can also:
-
Share their story on social media
-
Host community awareness events
-
Support organizations like the Black and Missing Foundation
-
Advocate for equitable policies in missing persons investigations
FAQs About the Janelle and Jalisa Morgan Case
Q1: Who are Janelle and Jalisa Morgan?
A: They are twin sisters who went missing on March 18, 2004, at age 15, from Augusta, Georgia.
Q2: When and where were they last seen?
A: The twins were last seen walking near their home on Cooney Circle to visit a family member.
Q3: Is their case still active?
A: Yes. In 2025, the case has been reopened with new leads and intensified investigations by local and federal authorities.
Q4: Who is Raymond Pike?
A: Pike is a convicted offender being reviewed in connection with the case, though he has not been officially charged.
Q5: How has media attention affected the case?
A: Renewed media coverage and public activism have significantly increased attention and pressure on authorities to act.
Q6: Is there a reward for information?
A: Yes, a reward remains in place for credible information that could lead to resolving the case.
Conclusion
The story of Janelle and Jalisa Morgan is not only a heartbreaking mystery—it is also a call to action. Their disappearance has exposed deep flaws in how missing children of color are treated in America. But it has also inspired a movement demanding justice, equity, and reform.
Their legacy lives on through the voices of their family, the tireless work of activists, and the growing awareness of the need for change. As long as their story is told, hope remains alive.
We may not yet have answers, but we have purpose. Let us continue to speak their names, share their faces, and press for justice until the Morgan twins come home—or until we finally know the truth.
Leave a Reply