Authorities Believe Someone Knows What Happened to Missing Vestal Man

As families across Broome County gather with loved ones for Thanksgiving, one local family is facing yet another holiday with an empty seat at the table. The family of Adib “Eddie” Rouhana, a well-known Vestal resident and longtime local business owner, is still desperately searching for answers nearly a year after he vanished. Their hope has not faded, but their heartbreak continues to deepen.

The Day Eddie Disappeared

Eddie, 69, was last seen on Saturday, January 11, 2025, around noon at his business, Cars-R-US on Upper Front Street in Chenango. His cell phone was used later that same day, but after that, all communication stopped. When his family reported him missing on January 14, investigators immediately began piecing together the final known moments of his day, but no definitive trail has emerged.

Months of Investigation, Countless Leads, Still No Breakthrough

For nearly a year, the Broome County Sheriff's Office has been working tirelessly to find out what happened to Eddie. Detective teams have combed through data, followed every lead, and used every investigative tool available. Sheriff Fred Akshar praised their efforts but emphasized a painful truth: someone in this community knows more. And until that person comes forward, the Rouhana family remains in agonizing limbo.

READ MORE: Four Longtime Fugitives Still Wanted by New York State

A Family’s Heartfelt Plea for Help

Eddie’s family has been vocal from the beginning. They do not believe he left on his own and say their lives have been turned upside down since the day he disappeared. As the mother of his five children shared, there isn’t a single day that goes by without the weight of his absence pressing on their hearts. After 51 years of Eddie being a recognizable, active part of this community, the family believes his case deserves more attention and more answers.

A $20,000 Reward and a Call for Community Action

In a continued effort to bring Eddie home, the Rouhana family is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads directly to his whereabouts. They’re asking anyone with possible leads, no matter how small or uncertain, to come forward. A small detail, a forgotten observation, even old video footage could be the missing piece investigators need.

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How the Community Can Help Right Now

The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to report any tips, sightings, or footage that might help move the case forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (607) 778-1196.