Joynell Brandon: 43-Year-Old Arkansas Woman Feared Dead
Joynell Brandon, a 43-year-old Black woman from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, vanished on May 13, 2025, leaving behind a devastated family and a community searching for answers.
Joynell Brandon, a 43-year-old Black woman from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, vanished on May 13, 2025, leaving behind a devastated family and a community searching for answers.
As a loving mother of three, she was known for her infectious smile, unwavering kindness, and deep faith that touched everyone around her.
Her disappearance has since evolved into a heartbreaking murder investigation, with charges filed against a suspect, but her body remains unfound, denying her loved ones the closure they desperately seek.
A Life Full of Love and Light
Joynell was more than just a missing person statistic; she was a beacon of positivity in the lives of those who knew her. Her daughter, Marquisia Johnson, described her as someone who could make anyone feel like a lifelong friend, always ready with an "I love you" and seeing the good in every situation.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Joynell's spiritual strength has been a source of inspiration for her family even in their darkest moments. She battled a diagnosed mental health condition but remained resilient, often spreading joy despite her challenges.
Physically, Joynell stood at 5'2" tall, weighed about 220 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. She had distinctive scarring from burns down the right side of her neck and arm, and wore a nose ring.
Last seen wearing a black and gold blouse with a rainbow purse, she was dropped off by her daughter at a home on Fluker Street, expecting to return later that evening.
When she didn't come home, alarm bells rang, leading to her being reported missing.
Joynell Joynell was last spotted on University Avenue in Pine Bluff on May 13, 2025.
The Disappearance and Grim Discoveries
Joynell was last spotted on University Avenue in Pine Bluff on May 13, 2025.
Police reports indicate she was seen with 30-year-old Tony Thompson Jr. in a white box truck.
For months, her family held out hope, organizing searches and keeping her story in the public eye. However, the case took a tragic turn when investigators uncovered disturbing evidence.
Months after her vanishing, authorities found Joynell's blood inside the box truck linked to Thompson, along with a fired nine-millimeter shell casing and DNA evidence.
A Glock 17 recovered from Thompson's home was confirmed by the State Crime Lab to have fired the shell casing.
This evidence pointed to foul play, leading prosecutors to believe Thompson killed Joynell and disposed of her body.
Charges and the Pursuit of Justice
On December 28, 2025, the Jefferson County prosecutor's office filed charges against Tony Thompson Jr., now 31, for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.
He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on January 7, 2026, with his bond set at $1 million.
Thompson's next court appearance is scheduled for February 2, 2026—today—as the case moves toward a jury trial.
Authorities continue to search for Joynell's remains, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.
Family's Heartache and Calls for Closure
The toll on Joynell's family has been immense. On what would have been her 44th birthday, January 8, 2026, they gathered at Lake Saracen for a balloon release, sharing memories and honoring her enduring spirit.
Marquisia Johnson spoke of the pain of attending court hearings and hearing graphic details, yet she urged Thompson to "do the right thing" and help bring her mother home.
"Bring Joynell home" has become the family's rallying cry, a plea for justice and the chance to lay her to rest properly.
They draw strength from her legacy of love, but the absence of her body compounds their grief, leaving them in a limbo of unanswered questions.
