BRUNSWICK, Maine — After disappearing without a trace nearly 12 years ago, the family of Jason Reil is asking friends and loved ones to leave their porch lights on tonight.
It's symbol of hope for any information about Reil will finally lead to a break in the case that has gone cold. Reil, who would have turned 45 years old Jan. 12, was last seen on surveillance footage picking up his medications at a drug store in Brunswick.
For Tammy and Ken Reil, finding out what happened to their nephew Jason is hope against hope — and they need the public's help.
"We would beg someone who has that information to understand it is painful; it would put so much relief on Tammy, me, and Jason's family to have that answer," Ken implored.
The agony of not knowing what happened has been ongoing for nearly 12 years.
Surveillance cameras captured the last images of the then 33-year-old picking up his medications at a Rite Aid, now a Walgreens, on Main Street on Jan. 19, 2012. Jason has schizophrenia, a long-term mental health condition. The medication was found unopened in his apartment on Federal Street.
Also left behind were his wallet, keys, cell phone, and glasses. Two disability checks were uncashed in his mailbox. Detective Sgt. Billy Moir has worked on the case since the beginning. He said authorities haven't ruled out anything, including foul play.
"We don't have an answer as to how he left or why he left, so until we can't get some answers on those, everything is in play," Moir stated.
Dozens of tips and clues have turned up nothing. Police have released this sketch of what Jason may look like today at 45. Tammy and Ken have also put up a $1,000 reward leading to information in the case. Jason was known to walk long distances, including to the Rockland area, following mental health episodes, which may have played a role.
"It is possible he could have lost that connection with the family and be living a completely different life," Ken added.
Two years ago, a little after the 10th anniversary of Jason's disappearance, Brunswick police and volunteers from Maine Search and Rescue dogs combed a 2-mile area from the Bowdoin Pines to Cook's Corner, but they found no clues. Police are considering another search this spring.
Moir said a new detective will take over the investigation and urges anyone with information to contact the Brunswick Police Department.
"Maybe they didn't feel comfortable back then for whatever reason, but if anybody knows or saw Jason around that time, please call us," Moir said.
Family and friends who continue to put up flyers along Main Street will be leaving their porch lights on for Jason this Friday night.
"He'll know that the family is there, ready to take him back in," Ken said.
"Make that beacon of light for him. Maybe he will see it, and he will find his way back one way or another," Tammy explained.
Anyone who has information concerning the disappearance of Jason Reil can contact the Brunswick Police Department at 207-725-5521 or tips@brunswickpd.org