Dakota James is one of two Duquesne students who are the focus of the mystery podcast.
Dakota James, 23, of the North Side, has been missing since 11:46 p.m. on Jan. 25, when he was spotted in Katz Plaza.
Brandon Addeo | News Editor
UPDATE 12:45 p.m. 3/6/2017
Police confirmed that a body found this morning in the Ohio River is that of missing Duquesne student Dakota James. Read more here.
2/9/2017
Pittsburgh Police released new information Feb. 7 on a Duquesne student who has been missing since Jan. 25.
An image taken from video surveillance footage shows Dakota James in the Cultural District’s Agnes R. Katz Plaza at 11:46 on Jan. 25, the night he disappeared. The video also shows James wearing a blue, black or dark grey hoodie instead of an olive-colored hoodie as originally reported by police.
Investigators believe James might have been walking home to his home in the North Side.
Police said they have reviewed hours of surveillance footage from 16 different locations since the investigation began.
In the past week, river rescue teams have conducted daily searches of Pittsburgh’s rivers, and bloodhound teams and mountain rescue groups have also assisted searches along the riverbanks, according to police. Pennsylvania State Police have also conducted aerial searches for James.
“Our detectives are diligently working every angle. We maintain an open line of communication with the family and are supportive of them during this truly trying time,” said Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert. “I also want to express gratitude to the public for calling in tips, the businesses that are providing access to their surveillance video and our law enforcement partners. We will find Dakota.”
The James family announced Feb. 2 a $10,000 reward for any information leading to Dakota James’ location.
James is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at Duquesne.
Police describe James as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. He has a thin chin-strap beard, and both of his ears are pierced. According to a missing person’s poster, James also has a triangle-shaped Deathly Hallows symbol from “Harry Potter” tattooed on the inside of his left ankle. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark-colored hoodie and tan moccasins the night he disappeared, according to police.
Police ask anyone with information to contact the Pittsburgh Police’s Missing Persons Unit at 412-323-7141.
Sounds just like the smiley face killers have started in Pgh.