Terhan Gordon Missing For 7 Months Now: Family Issues Statement To Joliet Patch, Hires Private Investigator

JOLIET, IL — January marks the seventh month that family and friends have been without 36-year-old Joliet resident Terhan Gordon. Although the Joliet Police Department does not classify his disappearance as one of its 2025 homicides, Gordon's family believes that multiple people were involved in kidnapping, killing him and concealing the whereabouts of his slain body.

Gordon was last seen alive on June 27 on the east side in Joliet.

"Since that day, our family has lived with unanswered questions, constant worry and a pain that never fades," the family's statement to Joliet Patch reads. "Although there has been limited contact through third parties, there have been no confirmed sightings, no direct communication from Tehran himself and no explanation for how a son, a father, a brother, an uncle and a cousin could seemingly vanish.

"Each day without clear answers deepens our fear and heartbreak. More than six months have now passed, and this is not a routine amount of time for someone to be missing under unexplained circumstances."

On July 9, Joliet police announced that the silver Pontiac G6 sedan that Gordon was believed to be driving at the time of his disappearance was found abandoned and is now in their possession. Joliet police have not disclosed where Gordon's vehicle was discovered, other than to say that it was found in another community.

"While we acknowledge that some efforts have been made, Terhan remains missing and our family continues to suffer without clarity or closure," Gordon's family notified Joliet Patch as part of their lengthy statement. "At this stage, continuing to treat Terhan's disappearance solely as a standard missing person case does not reflect the seriousness of the situation or the amount of time that has passed. There are ongoing concerns and unanswered questions that point to the possibility of foul play."

Back in November, Joliet Patch interviewed Joliet Police Detective Sgt. Tizoc Landeros and he explained that Gordon's disappearance was being classified as "missing under suspicious circumstances."

"We have no explanation for the disappearance," Landeros said at the time. He pointed out Gordon has no history of going missing for days, weeks or months at a time.

During that November interview, Landeros told Patch they did not believe Gordon went into hiding or left his community on his own. "He was definitely seen in the Joliet area," Landeros noted. "We don't have any evidence of him being outside the Joliet area."

On Friday, Joliet Patch reached back out to the Joliet Police Department with the following questions:

Joliet Patch: "This is now the seventh month since Terhan vanished, are Joliet police detectives now treating his case as a homicide without a body?"

Joliet Police Spokesman Dwayne English: "The Terhan Gordon case is still considered a missing person investigation. While detectives assess all possibilities in every investigation, including the potential for criminal activity, no formal determination has been made regarding the nature of his disappearance."

Joliet Patch: "Have detectives made any meaningful progress since our last interview in November in terms of solving Terhan's case or figuring out what happened to him and where his body is located?"

English: "Our detectives continue to work this investigation, reviewing information already obtained and immediately assessing any new leads. What remains most important at this stage is continued cooperation from the public, as even delayed or previously overlooked information can be significant."

Patch: "Approximately how many people are considered suspects or persons of interest surrounding Terhan's disappearance?"

English: "Because this is an open and active investigation, the Joliet Police Department is unable to provide specific details regarding the case. Because this is an open and active investigation, the Joliet Police Department is unable to provide specific details regarding the case."

Patch: "What is JPD's message to the family and the people concerned about Terhan's unexplained disappearance at this stage in time?"

English: "The Joliet Police Department remains committed to this case. We continue to ask the community for their engagement and to come forward with any information that could assist detectives. Time does not diminish the value of a tip. Even information that may seem minor or delayed may help clarify timelines or open new avenues. Community cooperation remains a critical part of this investigation."

As far as Gordon's relatives are concerned, "our family is requesting that law enforcement conduct a full and comprehensive re-analysis of this case," their statement to Joliet Patch reflected. "This includes re-interviewing witnesses and individuals known to have contact with Terhan around the time of his disappearance, fully re-analyzing phone records, digital data and all available camera footage, thoroughly reviewing financial activity and aggressively following up on every tip that has been submitted.

"We are asking law enforcement to approach this investigation with the same urgency and determination they would give their own loved one. Terhan is not just a case number, he is a deeply loved son, father, brother, nephew, uncle and cousin whose absence has devastated our family."

Gordon's family told Patch that a Crest Hill resident whose cell phone is believed to have placed him in the same area as Gordon around the time of his disappearance, has remained in the Will County Jail since July when he was arrested by Joliet police on unrelated charges.

The family also revealed they have hired a private investigator to assist the Joliet Police Department with the case in trying to find the whereabouts of Gordon's body. The family believes he may have been placed somewhere outside of Joliet.

"The private investigator is working with them, not against them," one of Gordon's relatives told Patch. "Just trying to see if there's anything they're missing. He has been out searching. He's been out to different areas."

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Terhan Gordon is urged to call 911 or 815-726-2491. Information may also be provided to the Joliet Police Investigation Division at (815) 724-3020. Tips leading to his location may qualify for a cash reward through Will County Crime Stoppers by calling 800-323-6734 or online if they wish to remain anonymous.

"We are calling on law enforcement to elevate this investigation," Gordon's family declared. "Leave no stone unturned and help bring truth, accountability and answers to a family that has waited far too long."

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Terhan Gordon, Missing Since June: Joliet Police Discuss Investigation Status At 5 Months

Missing Joliet Man's Car Discovered, Joliet Police Reveal Latest Search Area

Man Missing From Joliet: Police