Family and friends of Jonathan Hoang, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances five months ago, are marching through theKirkland to raise awareness ahead of his birthday this weekend.The choice of location is significant, as a man resembling Jonathan was seen on a Ring doorbell video in the area back in June. His family believes he is still alive and may be held against his will.”We know he’s asking to come home, and it’s this helplessness that we can’t be there for him,” said Jonathan’s father, Thao Hoang.Jonathan, from Arlington, will turn 22 years old on 30 August. In the months since his disappearance, his family has continued to express concern for his safety, saying he has the personality of a sixth grader because of his autism, which makes him particularly vulnerable.”The biggest pain is knowing that such an innocent soul is hurting,” said Thao.Jonathan’s family has repeatedly said they are convinced he was kidnapped on March 30. Despite the possible sighting in June, they told KOMO that Jonathan worked with routine and had never disappeared before.”It’s excruciating. Wondering what could’ve happened to him, where he could be, if he’s okay,” said Irene Hoang, Jonathan’s sister. As his birthday draws near, those joining the march said they were struck by how suddenly he vanished. “There are no words. It’s every person’s worst nightmare,” said Rachal Kidd, a friend of the Hoang family.”I think he’s out there. I really, truly believe he’s out there. The circumstances around his disappearance are so odd,” Joanna McKay, another participant, told Komo news.A reward of $100,000 remains in place for anyone who can help solve the case.As the family marks what they describe as a “special occasion” without Jonathan, they stress the need to keep the case in the public eye.”It’s important to have him front and centre and visible as much as possible,” said Thao.Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Jonathan in Kirkland or elsewhere to contact the police immediately.
