Panamanian family begs for answers on son missing in Russia for three months

The family of José Julián Marshall Rodríguez is living in anguish, three months after the young Panamanian disappeared after traveling to Russia, reportedly for a job offer. His relatives are pleading with the Panamanian Foreign Ministry to expedite efforts to locate him, determine his condition, and facilitate his return home.

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First, I ask God to accompany us all, that my grandson is alive. To the government, to all those involved, please help us. We need answers.

According to the family, Marshall Rodríguez's last communication indicated he was being deployed to the "front lines." Since then, all contact has ceased. His family is urging both the Russian government and their own Foreign Ministry to clarify his fate. "First, I ask God to accompany us all, that my grandson is alive. To the government, to all those involved, please help us. We need answers," said the young man's grandmother, visibly distressed.

The family also revealed that Marshall Rodríguez was promised a $10,000 bonus and a $3,000 monthly salary. However, these funds were reportedly deposited into a Russian bank account he opened upon arrival, leaving the family uncertain if he has access to them. "I'm not interested in the money, I'm interested in my son's life, that he returns home, because his daughter, his grandparents, and all his other relatives are waiting for him," stated one relative.

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I'm not interested in the money, I'm interested in my son's life, that he returns home, because his daughter, his grandparents, and all his other relatives are waiting for him.

Adding to their distress, the family denounces the government's slow response. "I am the one suffering, my wife, his three-year-old daughter, and all his relatives and friends, because he has been and is very loved here," said his grandfather. He implored the Foreign Ministry and the relevant embassy to formally inquire about his whereabouts with Russian authorities. The family hopes to have news of his return by September 7, his 21st birthday, as they have had no contact since July 7.

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I am the one suffering, my wife, his three-year-old daughter, and all his relatives and friends, because he has been and is very loved here.