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Robert Willis Missing Person Case

Last seen in Caruthers, California on Oct 29, 2008

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Victim Details

Apr 6, 2017

Oct 17, 2023

Robert

Willis

55

37

69 inches

71 inches

180 lbs

190 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Oct 29, 2008

Caruthers

California

Fresno County

33394

Fresno County Sheriff's Office

Fresno

California

Fresno County

93721

Javier Puente

Missing Person Detective

2200 Fresno Street, California

5596008400

County

Law Enforcement

https://www.fresnosheriff.org/

08-32691

Nov 3, 2008

Fresno County Sheriff's Office

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 14, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP37743) and 6 other sources
Robert S. Willis, a 37-year-old man from Caruthers, California, was last seen on October 29, 2008. Willis left his home for a deer hunting trip in the Dinkey Creek area of Fresno County, intending to return on November 1 to attend his son's football game. He was last seen wearing a camouflage Harris Construction jacket, blue jeans, and hunting boots. Despite being an experienced outdoorsman, Willis never returned from his trip.

Authorities launched a search effort on November 3 after his family reported him missing. His gray and black 2000 Nissan Frontier pickup truck was found abandoned on Forest Road 10S31, but no trace of Willis was discovered. Search teams, including helicopters, planes, and ground personnel, combed through the area, but the search was called off two weeks later due to harsh weather conditions, including snow. Despite additional search efforts in later years, including in 2014, no significant clues have emerged regarding his disappearance, and his case remains unsolved.
Last Seen: Oct 29, 2008

Links to Additional Sources (6)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • STILL MISSING! Lost hunter Robert Willis at Dinky Creek in Fresno ...
  • Robert Willis Vanished Whilst Hunting At Deer Creek -
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP37743
  • Search expands for hunter missing in Sierra – San Diego Union ...
  • Search expands for hunter missing in Sierra | News - TheUnion.com
  • Willis, Robert 10/30/08 - Porchlight International for the Missing ...

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

    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.

    79%Possible
    John Doe — Fresno, California - unidentified case UP128534
    John Doe — Fresno, California
    UP128534 • Found Jan 4, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 37 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 99%13 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 15 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6"–5'8" vs 5'9"–5'11"
    Weight 57%115–125 lb vs 180–190 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Fresno, California
    UP150905 • Found May 13, 2025
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 37 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 99%13 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 17 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"–5'11"
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP12864
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP12864 • Found Feb 13, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 28–50 vs 37 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 56%194 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 5'9"–5'11"
    Weight 100%175–190 lb vs 180–190 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

    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.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Robert S. Willis, 37, of Caruthers, California, was last seen October 29, 2008, when he left for a... ...Read More
    03/19/2024

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