Few leads in case of missing Reserve couple

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 1, 2014

By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – It has been more than a week since a Reserve married couple was reported as missing, and a new break in the case may help authorities gather more information about where the couple is.

On Thursday, Feb. 27 St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives received information from the Fulton County Sheriff Office in Georgia that the van that

Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph were known to be driving was located in good condition at an apartment complex parking lot in College Park, Ga. As of press time Friday morning, there were no signs of the couple.

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office detectives are assisting the St. John Parish authorities in this investigation.

On Feb. 19 St. John Parish deputies responded to the 500 block of Homewood Place in Reserve for the report of a missing couple.

Family members of Kenneth Joseph, 34, and Lakeitha Joseph, 29, reported they had not heard from the couple since Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Kenneth’s sister told investigators that Kenneth often borrowed her vehicle and would return it before morning the next day. She said that he borrowed her vehicle Feb. 18 at approximately 6:30 p.m. and had not returned the vehicle. She felt that it was odd that he did not return the vehicle as he usually does.

Kenneth’s mother became concerned after she unsuccessfully attempted to contact her son several times throughout the day on Feb. 19. She contacted Lakeitha’s father, and his attempts to contact his daughter were also futile.

The concerned parents went to the couple’s residence to find the house unlocked and no one there.

Dane Clement with the St. John Sheriff’s Office said the department has continued to receive leads about the case from the community.

“We’re checking into any tips that we get,” said Clement.

Lansley Dixon, Lakeitha’s aunt, said the family is anxious for answers and asked for the community’s help in locating the missing couple.

A prayer vigil hosted by the couple’s family and friends was held earlier in the week outside of Kenneth and Lakeitha’s house.

Kenneth Joseph is 5-feet-8-inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. Lakeitha Joseph is 5-foot-4-inches tall and weighs 135 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph is asked to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office tip line at 985-359- 8477 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.