BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Police now suspect foul play in the disappearance of a University of Alabama student who has gone missing in Spain, according to local media covering the case.
In an interview with CBS 42, Gisela Macedo, a reporter for El Periódico in Barcelona, said that the Mossos d’Esquadra police force have looked at CCTV footage showing James “Jimmy” Paul Gracey outside Shôko, a restaurant and club located in Olympic Village, at approximately 3 a.m. Tuesday. Macedo said that based on the footage, which has not been released to the public, Gracey left the club with someone else, leading authorities to suspect that foul play was involved in his disappearance.
Gracey’s mother, Therese, said her son was visiting with friends who were studying abroad in Barcelona. On Monday night, he reportedly went out with them, but never made it back to where he was staying. She added that the police have his phone.
Macedo said police are investigating where Gracey, an accounting major who was set to graduate from UA next year, went when he left Shôko. Police have started searching the areas around the city’s nightlife, as well as where Gracey was staying.
No persons of interest have been identified.
On Tuesday, Therese posted a plea for help finding Gracey on the “Students in Barcelona 2026” Facebook page.
“Our family is deeply concerned about James “Jimmy” Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17.
The Gracey family sent the following statement Wednesday:
“Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is approximately 6’1” and 175 pounds.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information—no matter how small—to please contact 224.505.3886.
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends.
“We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely.”
The UA has released the following statement on Gracey:
“James Paul Gracey is a UA student on a personal trip. UA staff are in touch with the family and those associated with them to offer support and assistance in any way possible.”
The case remains under investigation.
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