Missing Nova Student Found Unharmed In Georgia

PEMBROKE PINES (CBS4)- The search for Che Beckford -a 21-year-old Pembroke Pines man who vanished two weeks ago - is over.

According to the Pembroke Pines Police Department, Beckford was found in Macon, Georgia and is in good health.

Police said "it does not appear that there is any foul play involved in this case."

Earlier this week, Charmaine Beckford, Che's mother, said they were planning a walk on Saturday at 10 am at the last location Che was seen, 6700 Stirling Road.

Family and friends planned on passing out flyers to businesses and asking for the public's help in locating him, but that was soon canceled after he was reportedly found.

Last week, dozens of people braved the chilly South Florida air to gather at a candlelight vigil for a Beckford, who was last seen on December 3.

Before he went missing, Che told his mother that he was on his way to get tires put on her car.

But he never made it from his Pembroke Pines home to the auto repair shop in Davie. And no saw or heard from him since.

Charmaine Beckford said it was the prayers and outpouring of the entire community that was lifting her up as Pembroke Pines Police continued their search for her son — a missing Nova Southeastern University student.

"I've seen so many people — people I haven't seen in so long," she said. "There's a lot of love left in America."

Charmaine said the day he disappeared began like a regular day. Her son took her to work and headed back home to get ready for his class at Nova Southeastern University. She said a neighbor saw him back home and walking his dog at 2:30 pm. Charmaine spoke to him at 1:57 pm. That's when he said he was headed to the auto store for tires.

Police did not believe foul play is likely but Charmaine feared the worst.

"I don't know how somebody can be so monstrous, if somebody has him that's ridiculous," she said.

Charmaine knows that her son was home one day, participating in a late night conversation about life and gone the next day. She just wanted to see him walk through the front door — safe and sound.

"The puzzle doesn't fit," she said. "None of the pieces and we're not sure. It's too many thoughts and theories. We're just not sure."

Che's mother pleaded for the safe return of her son.

"If somebody has him just give him back," she said. "I don't know what more to do. We've all done so much and nothing."

Che's father, John, told the crowd that the ordeal was "one of the hardest things I've ever had to face."

"He's out there somewhere and we're gonna find him," he said. "The outpouring from this community warms my heart."

The family described Che as a loving son, dedicated student and disciplined athlete. His family said he doted on his dogs and would never leave them for such a long period of time.

Che left his cell phone, wallet and credit cards at home. His mother said there was no reason for him to take off.

His father said he searched plazas, malls, streets and the back of warehouses.

Detectives said they will continue to investigate the circumstances under which he was reported as a missing person.