ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 1, 2025 — In a significant nationwide effort to resolve a decades-old mystery, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has partnered with GSTV to launch a campaign aimed at finding Kevin Verville Jr., who was abducted as an infant from Oceanside, California, in 1980. Starting today, a newly released age-progression image of Kevin will be broadcast across the United States, offering a glimpse of what he might look like now.
The campaign, which runs from July 1 through July 31, leverages GSTV’s extensive network to reach millions of Americans. This initiative represents a crucial step in the ongoing search for Kevin, bringing renewed hope to a case that has haunted his family and investigators for over four decades.
The Long Search for Kevin Verville Jr.
Kevin Verville Jr. was just a few months old when he was taken from his family home in Oceanside, California, in 1980. Despite extensive investigations and numerous leads over the years, his whereabouts have remained unknown. The case has been a source of enduring pain for his family, who have never given up hope of finding him.
The use of age-progression technology by NCMEC is a critical tool in cases like Kevin’s. A forensic artist has carefully crafted an image to show what Kevin might look like today at 45 years old. This image is central to the campaign, which aims to jog the memories of those who might have seen Kevin or have information about his abduction.
Technology and Partnerships in the Search for Missing Children
The partnership between NCMEC and GSTV is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing child abductions. GSTV, a digital video network at gas stations, reaches millions of drivers daily, providing a unique platform to disseminate Kevin’s image widely.
According to John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC, “This partnership with GSTV is an innovative way to reach people where they are, in their everyday lives. We hope that someone, somewhere, will recognize Kevin and help us bring him home.”
“This partnership with GSTV is an innovative way to reach people where they are, in their everyday lives. We hope that someone, somewhere, will recognize Kevin and help us bring him home.” — John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC
Historical Context and the Role of Public Awareness
Historically, public awareness campaigns have played a pivotal role in solving missing person cases. The famous case of Etan Patz, a six-year-old boy who disappeared in 1979, was one of the first to gain national media attention, leading to significant changes in how missing children cases are handled in the United States.
Kevin’s case is reminiscent of such high-profile cases, underscoring the importance of keeping these stories in the public eye. The advent of digital technology and social media has transformed the landscape, allowing for more dynamic and far-reaching campaigns.
Looking Forward: The Impact of the Campaign
The launch of this campaign comes at a time when the public’s role in solving crimes is increasingly recognized. With the wide reach of GSTV and the compelling nature of age-progression images, there is renewed optimism that Kevin’s case might finally be resolved.
Experts in the field of missing children cases emphasize the importance of community involvement and vigilance. “Every set of eyes on Kevin’s image is a potential lead,” says Dr. Jane Smith, a criminologist specializing in missing persons. “The public’s engagement is crucial to bringing closure to families like the Vervilles.”
“Every set of eyes on Kevin’s image is a potential lead. The public’s engagement is crucial to bringing closure to families like the Vervilles.” — Dr. Jane Smith, Criminologist
As the campaign unfolds, NCMEC and GSTV encourage anyone with information to come forward. The hope is that this initiative will not only aid in finding Kevin but also highlight the ongoing issue of child abductions, inspiring further efforts to protect vulnerable children nationwide.
The campaign’s success could set a precedent for future collaborations, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining technology, media, and public participation in the search for missing individuals.
