Friends and family renew search for missing Rutgers student in New Jersey
Friends and family of Rutgers University student Mortimer Mekhai Wortman IV plan a community search in Jackson, New Jersey, on 21 November 2026, a year after he disappeared. The renewed effort comes amid criticism from his friend that local authorities have not adequately supported searches or investigated his disappearance.
Wortman, 22, was last seen on surveillance footage getting into Adam Zalouk’s car at Regional Day School on 21 November 2025. Zalouk, who had previously threatened Wortman with a knife and damaged his car, told a 911 operator that Wortman left after an argument and disappeared into nearby trees. In April 2026, Zalouk pleaded guilty to threatening Wortman and slashing his car, and was ordered to pay Wortman’s mother $2,783; no suspect in Wortman’s disappearance has been named, according to his friend.
In short
- Wortman disappeared aged 22 in November 2025.
- Friends and family plan an anniversary search.
- His friend has criticised the local response.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Friends and family can reasonably argue that the disappearance remains unresolved and that the prior threats, damage to Wortman’s car and last known contact warrant sustained investigative attention. They may see a community search as a practical way to find new information, keep public awareness alive and press authorities to explain what has been done and what further leads remain.
The case against
Authorities could reasonably argue that the absence of a named suspect does not by itself show that the investigation has been neglected, and that searches and enquiries must follow evidence and be coordinated to avoid compromising leads or putting volunteers at risk. They may also have limits on what they can share publicly while an investigation is ongoing, even as friends and family understandably seek more visible support and answers.
Explained simply
Mortimer Mekhai Wortman IV was a 22-year-old Rutgers University student who disappeared in Jackson, New Jersey, in November 2025. The last known sighting was surveillance footage showing him getting into a car driven by Adam Zalouk, who later told emergency services that Wortman had walked away after an argument.
Zalouk had previously threatened Wortman with a knife and damaged his car. He pleaded guilty in April 2026 to those offences and was ordered to pay compensation to Wortman’s mother; no one has been named as a suspect in Wortman’s disappearance.
The case has drawn concern from Wortman’s friends and family, who say they have not received enough support from local authorities. The renewed search reflects their effort to find him and keep attention on what happened.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “New search launched after mysterious disappearance of promising college senior, 22, who was last seen getting into car with bully”.