NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - More than 300 people attended a candle light prayer vigil held on Tuesday night for Ian Burnet, the missing 22-year-old from New Kent County.
Burnet, a Richmond resident and Virginia Commonwealth University student, has been missing since Dec. 26, 2011.
Ian left Richmond and traveled to New York City on Dec. 26, via bus, said family friend Judy Cogburn. He was visiting friends in the city.
Ian’s parents last had contact with their son on Dec. 27, 2011, by text, and a roommate spoke with Ian on Dec. 30, said Cogburn.
Ian was last seen in NYC around 139th Street and Riverside Avenue, based on information on the website “New York State Missing Persons.”
Ian, 22, is a white male, reportedly weighing 160 lbs. and standing five-foot, 10-inches. He has brown hair and green eyes.
Burnet was supposed to be hanging with a couple of his friends, a few miles from where the ball dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
“He went to New York City by bus to visit friends, he was staying with them,” said Cogburn. “They came back to their place and noticed he wasn't there, but all of his stuff was."
Burnet is described by friends and family as one of the smartest, hardest working people they know.
"Ian is a responsible boy, he's an Eagle Scout, the valedictorian from New Kent, he would keep up with his parents, and this is totally out of character,” said Cogburn.
The mysterious disappearance of Burnet has prompted action in his hometown of Providence Forge.
“We have one detective and one deputy assigned,” said F.W. Howard, New Kent County Sheriff.
Police say he left behind his cell phone and other personal items at the apartment. They so far have not detected any activity on his credit or bank cards.
Ian's parents, Nancy and Mark, along with his brother are anxiously waiting by their phones to hear any news about Ian and where he may be.
Ian graduated from New Kent County High School in 2008. He is currently a VCU student, studying electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics and physics.
His LinkedIn profile indicates that Ian is a software engineer at Sonoco Packaging Company.
If you have information about Ian Burnet, the contact information for the New York Police Department is either Detective Sanchez or Det. Davis, or Sgt Greene at the 30th Precinct, 451 W 151st St.
The phone number is 212-690-8842.
There is a Facebook group called FIND IAN BURNET(click the link).
We’ll bring you more information as it becomes available, on WTVR.com and CBS6 News.
