Robert Lee Vendrick, a 71-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was last seen on February 15, 2008, when he set sail from Dana Point Harbor, California, with Gary A. Shawkey on a 23-foot boat named the *Odyssey*. Vendrick had been lured to California under the pretense of securing a lucrative federal government contract, which Shawkey had convinced him to invest in. Vendrick wired $60,000 for the deal and was reluctant to invest more, despite Shawkey's insistence. His personal belongings, including his laptop and diabetes medication, were later found in his hotel room at Dana Point Marina Inn, and his rented car remained in the harbor parking lot.
Shawkey returned to shore on February 19, 2008, without Vendrick, claiming that Vendrick had decided against the investment and returned to shore, leaving Shawkey to sail on alone. Investigations revealed suspicious circumstances, including the replacement of the boat's anchor and engine. In February 2009, Shawkey was charged with Vendrick's murder while already incarcerated on unrelated charges. Despite Shawkey's claims that he had seen Vendrick in Mexico, Vendrick has never been found, and Shawkey was convicted of his murder in 2011.
An extensive ocean search between Dana Point and San Clemente Island yielded no evidence of Vendrick's remains. He remains missing, with foul play suspected due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Last Seen: Feb 15, 2008
