Where is Sebastian Rogers?

Sebastian Rogers, a 15-year-old boy with high-functioning autism, lived in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his mother Katie Proudfoot and his stepfather Chris Proudfoot. Hendersonville, known for its peaceful suburban charm, became the center of a troubling mystery when Sebastian vanished without a trace.

The Family Background

Katie Proudfoot works as an installation technician, while Chris Proudfoot is employed in construction. Sebastian's biological father, Seth Rogers, shares custody with Katie and has regular visits with his son, including weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. Sebastian is described as highly intelligent, fond of routine, and not prone to mischief. His autism mainly affected his social interactions, making it challenging for him to make friends.

The Day Before the Disappearance

On February 25, 2024, Katie described the day as normal and filled with laughter. Sebastian enjoyed eating popcorn and spending time with his family. Chris was out of town for work. That night, Sebastian followed his usual routine, taking out the trash and saying goodnight to his mother before going to bed.

Katie recounted, "He took out the trash... about 9:00 told him to go to bed... he said, 'Good night Mom, I love you.'"

The Disappearance

The next morning, on February 26, Katie went to wake Sebastian for school but found his bed empty. After searching the house for about three minutes, she called Chris, who then contacted the police.

Sebastian's mother was immediately alarmed, stating, "Sebastian was not a runner... he's never run away before."

What puzzled everyone was that all of Sebastian's shoes were still at home, suggesting he left barefoot.

The Immediate Search

Authorities quickly launched a massive search operation. Over 200 Searchers, including K9 units, helicopter crews, and drones, scoured the area. The community played Sebastian's favorite song, "Eye of the Tiger," over loudspeakers, hoping it would draw him out. Despite covering over 2,000 miles on foot and thoroughly searching the home multiple times, there was no sign of Sebastian.

During a press conference, detectives urged local residents to check their security cameras and report any potential leads.

Surveillance Footage and False Leads

Neighbors' surveillance footage showed what appeared to be two light sources near Sebastian's home around 3:10 a.m. However, upon closer inspection, Sebastian's stepfather Chris dismissed these as not being flashlights or related to the case.

Investigators also drained a nearby retention pond but found no evidence related to Sebastian's disappearance.

The Investigation Shifts

By March 2, Sebastian was still missing. An anonymous group of business owners offered a $3,000 reward for information leading to his discovery, which later increased to $3,500. On March 4, authorities announced they were scaling back the ground search and transitioning into an investigative phase.

On March 7, investigators searched a Kentucky landfill where trash from Sebastian's home was sent, but found no evidence.

Family Statements and Public Reaction

Sebastian's biological father, Seth Rogers, has been vocal and active in the search efforts. He expressed frustration and sorrow, stating that Katie and Chris were not communicating with him during the search. This lack of cooperation raised concerns and speculation among the public.

Katie and Chris finally spoke out on March 3, describing their ordeal as a "roller coaster ride of helplessness and hopelessness." In a later interview, Katie revealed that she believed someone must have taken Sebastian, as he would have been found if he had simply wandered off.

In an interview with Nancy Grace, Katie said, "I think it's possible that someone has my son... if he had been close to the house or had walked off, we would have found him by now with as many people as we had searching."

Questions and Controversies

Inconsistent statements from Katie and Chris have fueled online speculation. For instance, Chris admitted to using a belt on Sebastian three years ago, which he initially described differently in separate interviews. The couple's decision to leave town while their son was missing also drew criticism, although Katie explained she accompanied Chris for his work and planned to return.

Chris defended their actions, saying, "My son could be anywhere and we're looking everywhere and anywhere."

Current Status and Community Efforts

Sebastian Rogers has been missing for over a month. Despite extensive search efforts and media coverage, there are still no significant leads. The community and authorities continue to search for answers, hoping to bring Sebastian home safely.

Sebastian is described as 5 foot 5 inches tall, weighing around 120 pounds, with dirty blonde hair. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Sumner County Sheriff's Office at 615-451-3838 or the TBI at 800-TBI-FIND.

The mysterious disappearance of Sebastian Rogers has left a community searching for answers and a family desperate for their beloved son. As the investigation continues, everyone hopes for his safe return and the resolution of this troubling case.