James Higginbotham case: What happened to the missing Auburn student? Complete timeline of bodies found in Japan

Last known movements captured on CCTV

Authorities later confirmed that Weston was last seen on May 29 in the Yamashina area on the outskirts of Kyoto.

Search efforts launched across Japan

According to CNN, Weston disappeared in the early morning of May 30.

Full timeline of the case

May 22: Arrive in Japan

• weston and his family Arriving in Japan from Alabama for a family trip.
• The purpose of the visit was to celebrate his brother’s high school graduation.
• The itinerary included Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama and later Kyoto.

May 29: The day he disappeared

• The family spent time in Kyoto before Weston separated from them.
• Reports disagree with mother on AI-assisted navigation.
• Weston decided to explore the city alone.
• Around 6pm: He leaves Kyoto Station.
• Around 8pm: CCTV captured him walking alone near the Shanko Mountain Trail.

May 30: Missing report filed

• Weston was officially reported missing by his family around 2 a.m.
• Local authorities began preliminary search operations.

June 2: CCTV confirms search changes

• CCTV footage from May 29 has been verified by authorities.
• Police turned their search to mountainous forested areas.
• Search efforts were hampered by severe storm conditions.

June 3: Massive search operation

• Police deployed helicopters, K-9 units and dozens of officers.
• The focus remains on the Yamashina forest area.
• Authorities warned of risks posed by weather and terrain.

June 4: Investigation ongoing

• The search continues amid an expanded review of surveillance footage.
• Authorities also monitor banking activity and digital traces.
• We have contacted the U.S. Embassy and the FBI to coordinate.

June 5: Search scale shrinks

• An intensive 72-hour police search of the area ended.
• More than 100 personnel were involved, including search and rescue dogs and air support.
• The family announced plans for a private search team and volunteers.

June 6: Body found

• Volunteer search and rescue teams found Weston’s body in the mountains outside Kyoto.
• The family confirmed the discovery in a statement shared with CNN. They described the loss as devastating.