Episode 4 played at the benefit concert for Jesse Ross.

Bands play for missing UMKC student Jesse Ross

By: Derek Simons

Posted: 3/10/08

Jesse "Opie" Ross disappeared in November, 2006, while in Chicago with other UMKC students for a model United Nations conference, but his family and friends continue to hope for his safe return.

At a benefit concert held on Saturday in Pierson Auditorium to remind everyone the search continues and to raise money for a scholarship in his name, Jesse's parents spoke of the ongoing efforts.

"We've got a private investigator out of Belton, our hometown," said Jesse's father, Don Ross. "He's really helpful in coordinating with the Chicago police. They have put Jesse's DNA and dental records into the FBI database."

The parents, who continue to offer a $10,000 reward for any information, said no real leads have come up so far.

"When he disappeared, the initial reaction was perhaps he had wandered off, so time passed," Don Ross said.

He said he wasn't blaming anyone, but by the time a real investigation started, the roughly 1,000 participants at the conference had headed home, Jesse's hotel room was cleaned, and there wasn't much to go on.

"Over 800,000 people are missing at any one time," he said. "… It's normal the police thought a 19-year-old might be just doing what kids his age sometimes do."

The benefit concert featured three different bands: Episode 4, Frat Pack and A Dead Giveaway, a band Jessie used to tour with, helping to organize the shows. A Dead Giveaway worked with Jesse's fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, to set up this second musical event at UMKC. Don Ross also thanked the university administration for its help and support.

"I know things look pretty gloomy, but I've played a little conversation in my mind," said Jesse's mother, Donna Ross. "Jesse would never forgive us. 'What do you mean?' he would say. 'How could you give up?' … We just hope and pray. Somebody's got to know something."

Jesse is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, with red hair and of slight build. Any information should be communicated to Tim O'Brien, the new sergeant for the case with the Chicago police, at (312) 744-8266.

dsimons@unews.com