Cumberland County Searching For Missing 5 Year Old

Search Underway for Missing 5-Year-Old Joshua Poston; May Be Traveling Out of State

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating 5-year-old Joshua Poston, who was officially reported missing on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Joshua was last seen over a month ago, on September 18, 2025, at Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School. It is currently believed that he is in the company of his biological mother, Dezarai Dawn Poston.

While an Amber Alert has not been issued, as the current circumstances do not meet the necessary criteria, the Sheriff’s Office has received information suggesting that the mother and son may have traveled outside of North Carolina, with potential leads indicating their presence in New Mexico.

Descriptions

Joshua Poston (Missing Child):

• Race/Gender: African American Male

• Age: 5 years old

• Height: 4 feet tall

• Weight: 50 pounds

• Hair: Black

• Eyes: Brown

• Distinguishing Feature: Missing front teeth

• Last Seen Wearing: Black pants, a white shirt, and black Nike tennis shoes.

Dezarai Dawn Poston (Biological Mother):

• Race/Gender: American Indian Female

• Age: 42 years old

• Height: 5'4" tall

• Weight: 133–160 pounds

• Hair: Black

• Eyes: Brown

• Vehicle: Gray 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan with North Carolina license plate FMR-7073.

How to Report Information

The Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit is actively investigating the case and urges anyone with information regarding Joshua or Dezarai Poston’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.

If you have information, please contact:

• 911

• Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit: (910) 677-5462

To remain anonymous, you can contact Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crimestoppers:

• Phone: (910) 483-TIPS (8477)

• Online Tip Sheet: Visit http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org

• Mobile App: Download the FREE "P3 Tips" app, available for Apple and Android devices.