Circumstances of Disappearance
Jackson disappeared from Gainesville, Florida on August 25, 1989. Witnesses claim to have seen him outside a home just two houses down from his own at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the evening.
The last certain sight of Randy was by his brother and a friend, who were in the neighbor's house. Randy was in the man's car listening to the radio, and the man was outside watching Randy. The neighbor came in and announced he was going to bed.
The family believed Randy was spending the night at a friend's home. When he didn't come home the following day, a search of the neighborhood began. Then, the police were called.

Jackson may have been spotted some time later in a vehicle with two unidentified Caucasian males.
The first male is described as being approximately 20 - 22 years old at the time with a medium build. He had brown hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail.
The second male is described as being approximately 18 - 20 years old, 5'8 and 150 pounds. He had brown hair and a moustache. They were driving a 1978 or 1979 brown four-door Chevrolet Impala with possible damage to the right front panel. The car was never recovered by police.

Jackson liked skateboarding, dancing and fishing. He was mischievous, funny and probably had ADHD (hyperactivity). He lived at 3510 NE 11th Terrace with three older brothers and a little sister. He attended Rawlings Elementary School.