Hundreds join search for missing Delco boy

Becky Malcolm-Naib and Farid Naib are living every parent's nightmare. Their 13-year-old son, Cayman, seemingly upset over a poor progress report at school, has been missing since Wednesday.

"The fact that no one has seen him in a couple of days is deeply worrisome," said Naib.

Cayman Naib left his Newtown Square home about 6:30 p.m. - in a cold rain and hours before the onset of the season's biggest snowfall - after receiving an e-mailed report from the Shipley School, family members said. He left behind his wallet, cellphone, computer, and glasses.

By Friday, stocked with supplies of doughnuts, pizza, energy bars, and coffee, the home had become command central for a search effort that included private investigators; hundreds of friends, neighbors, and schoolmates; K-9 searchers, and even a drone.

Cayman was wearing a gray down winter jacket, black ski pants, and hiking boots when he left.

"He's been having some issues getting homework done," said Malcolm-Naib.

After widening the search from the family's 13-acre property to friends' homes and his favorite hangouts, in Wayne and Bryn Mawr, the parents contacted Newtown Township police.

Alumni and parents of Shipley students have joined the search, patrolling roadsides. Old friends of the family have reconnected to get involved, and the drone was used to search Valley Forge National Historical Park, Malcolm-Naib said.

Police are seeking surveillance videotapes from places they suspect Cayman visited, and the FBI is analyzing his computer and cellphone for clues.

"He is very savvy on the Internet," Malcolm-Naib said.

The couple contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, printed photos for posters, and combed through their son's e-mails.

"Movement is good," said Malcolm-Naib as she moved among groups gathered at her home. "It is better to do something than sitting here hoping."

Naib said his fears went from one scenario to another: Was Cayman hit by a car and lying in a snowdrift? He speculated that his son might have gone to Philadelphia.

A hashtag on social media #FindCayman had drawn more than a million hits by late Thursday, according to Newtown Township police investigator William Moor.

A Facebook page, "Find Cayman," had more than 4,400 likes by Friday morning.

Police stressed that "no one" will be in trouble if Cayman is found. They said he, or anyone who knows where he is, can call 911 to make a report.

Naib said he is grateful for the outpouring of help.

Cayman Naib is 5-foot-7 and weighs 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Newtown Township police are asking anyone with information on Cayman's whereabouts to also call 610-356-0602 or e-mail Moor at moorw@newtowntownship.org.