Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Matthew Bechanko missing person case profile photo

Matthew Bechanko Missing Person Case

Last seen in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Jul 4, 2017

Victim Details

Jun 20, 2018

Jan 12, 2024

Matthew

Bechanko

34

25

72 inches

185 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jul 4, 2017

Kalamazoo

Michigan

Kalamazoo County

49009

37599

Michigan State Police - Metro South Post

Taylor

Michigan

Wayne County

48180

Christopher Clark

Trooper

12111 Telegraph Road, Michigan

7342875000

State

Law Enforcement

22-8025-17

Sep 13, 2017

Michigan State Police - Metro South Post

10164

Brown

Blue

Blue

Oct 7, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP50697) and 3 other sources
In the summer of 2017, the life of Matthew Benjamin Bechanko took a turn that left his family and authorities searching for answers. At the age of 25, Matthew was living in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was last in contact with anyone who knew him around the Fourth of July that year. At the time he went missing, Matthew was described as being six feet tall, weighing 185 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. His disappearance was officially reported to the Michigan State Police on September 13, 2017, sparking an investigation into his whereabouts.

As investigators delved into Matthew's life and last known activities, an unusual picture began to form. Unlike many missing person cases where foul play is an immediate concern, the investigation revealed that Matthew had made plans to leave the country. It was discovered that in July 2017, shortly after he was last heard from, he boarded a flight destined for Europe. This significant finding shifted the focus of the investigation, adding a complex international dimension to the search for the young man from Michigan.

The discovery of his flight to Europe provided a crucial piece of the puzzle, yet it also opened up a host of new questions. Despite confirming his departure from the United States, authorities have found no evidence that Matthew has re-entered the country since that time. The case remains open, with his current location and well-being unknown. The overview of the case is that of a 25-year-old man who was last known to be in Kalamazoo before investigators found he had left the country for Europe and has not returned, leaving his circumstances entirely unknown.
Last Seen: Jul 4, 2017

Links to Additional Sources (3)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP50697
  • Michael Benjamin Bechanko was last... - Missing in Michigan
  • Matthew Bechanko - Laravel

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP53660
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP53660 • Found Oct 22, 2018
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 83%Est. 28–42 vs 25 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 73%109 mi away
    TimingFound 16 months after last seen
    Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
    Weight 100%203 lb vs 185 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (3)

    Has anyone else noticed that Matthew's case seems oddly similar to a few other instances of people... ...Read More
    12/13/2024
    Has anyone else thought about Matthew Bechanko's missing person's case from a different angle? I was... ...Read More
    06/05/2023
    Has anyone else noticed the strange lack of media coverage on Matthew Bechanko's case? It's like it... ...Read More
    01/21/2023

    Other Missing Cases from Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Henry Blair Iii missing person case in Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Henry Blair Iii

    Missing: Aug 12, 1977
    In the summer of 1977, a 32-year-old man named Henry Stirling Blair III vanished from Kalamazoo ...Read More
    Nathaniel Ratliff missing person case in Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Nathaniel Ratliff

    Missing: Oct 30, 2016
    In the autumn of 2016, a sense of unease settled over the family and friends of 22-year-old ...Read More
    Bobby Glen Stevens missing person case in Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Bobby Glen Stevens

    Missing: May 9, 1986
    In the spring of 1986, a 32-year-old man named Bobby Glen Stephens was last seen in Kalamazoo ...Read More
    Bobby Stephens missing person case in Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Bobby Stephens

    Missing: May 9, 1986
    In the spring of 1986, a sense of unease settled over Kalamazoo, Michigan, following the sudden and ...Read More
    Jayme Bryant missing person case in Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Jayme Bryant

    Missing: Jun 29, 2013
    In the early summer of 2013, a 25-year-old man named Jayme Vaughn Bryant vanished from Kalamazoo ...Read More