Case of Vidor missing man moves forward

 

Last updated 6/12/2012 at Noon



For any parent the death of their child is a difficult time in their life, but for the parents of Joshua Parrott they not only struggle to deal with his absence but also seek answers in the case and the location of his body.

While most Southeast Texans were planning backyard barbecues during the Memorial Day weekend in 2010, life for the Parrot family was about to change drastically. At about 3 p.m. on May 28th of the fateful weekend, Joshua Parrot, 22, entered the Country Pantry convenience store on Orange Street in Vidor. He asked to use the phone because of problems with his vehicle, but was referred to a pay phone outside the store where he called his wife, Heather. Video from the store captured the events, according to Joey Jacobs with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“This was the last place he was seen,” Jacobs said.

Parrott’s vehicle was around the corner on Sargeant Street and was later impounded to be processed for evidence.

Parrott’s sister, Brittany, called her brother’s wife to inform her of the vehicle’s location and she felt Joshua was missing. Heather then called the OCSO to file a missing persons report. At the time the marriage between Heather and Joshua Parrot was “strained” and he was known for leaving for days at a time.

Heather Parrott appeared on local television stations tearfully pleading for information for the safe return of her husband.

Following the holiday, Jacobs began investigating the case by processing the vehicle and conducting interviews

“From the start the investigation was difficult because of the information given,” Jacobs said.

At times there were at least five different avenues the case pointed to, but investigators would make a choice to proceed although they were often met with challenging hurdles.

According to Jacobs there was a lot of deception from a lot of different angles and like almost any other murder case it is nearly impossible to get 100 percent accurate information on the events that have unfolded.

One by one they worked to rule out the various avenues with supporting evidence.

Polygraphs were given to some of the people related to the case.

“Some passed and some failed,” Jacobs said. “Those who failed supported the evidence we had.”

Since the investigation began, hundreds of statements have been obtained and about 400 people have been interviewed, according to Jacobs.

“We have made significant progress in this case over the last five months,” he added. “We have physical evidence that supports the recent statements gotten.”

Jacobs added they have suspects in mind and are working to collect evidence to support their case.

Investigators meet frequently with Sheriff Keith Merritt to discuss their cases. Working on this case is not only the OSCO, but also the FBI, DEA, ATF and Texas Rangers. Together they work as a team.

Mary and Scott, Joshua Parrott’s parents, are the first to admit their son was not an angel and had occasional brushes with law enforcement. However, he was passionate and loyal to his sisters, mom, step-father and mother.

“He was basically a good kid,” Mary Parrott said.

The Parrotts not only want to see this case to the end but also want to know where Joshua’s body is located. At this point there is “no closure.”

Jacobs is determined and dedicated to his efforts to solve this case. He doesn’t feel this is a “cold case” but only one yet to see justice served and “without a doubt will be solved.”

“We will not be just prosecuting those responsible for his death, but for those facilitating the crime as well,” Jacobs said.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the OSCO at 409-769-6391. Information can also be emailed to Jacobs at [email protected].

 

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