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Michael Chien Missing Person Case

Last seen in Upland, California on Dec 18, 1996

Victim Details

Oct 24, 2016

Mar 19, 2024

Michael

Chien

52

23

60 inches

140 lbs

Asian

Male

Dec 18, 1996

Upland

California

San Bernardino County

91786

No

18961

Upland Police Department

Upland

California

San Bernardino County

91786

Steven Wyno

Detective

1499 West 13th Street, California

9099467624

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.ci.upland.ca.us/#Police

96-359-010

Dec 24, 1996

Upland Police Department

Black

Brown

Brown

No

Oct 6, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP35797) and 2 other sources
Michael Shan Chien, a 23-year-old man, was last seen on December 18, 1996, at his mother's home in Upland, California. He was supposed to meet his family for Christmas shopping but never showed up and has not been heard from since. His vehicle, a white 1996 Nissan Maxima with Wisconsin license plates, was found abandoned in Ventura, California, a week after his disappearance. Authorities found no signs of foul play in the car.

There have been a few possible sightings of Michael after his disappearance. In February 1997, a Bakersfield police officer reportedly interacted with a man who resembled Chien. The individual asked for a ride to a halfway house and mentioned wanting treatment for a drug problem, but it is unconfirmed whether this person was indeed Chien. There was also a reported sighting of him at a carwash in San Gabriel, California.

Michael had ties to the Upland and San Francisco areas, as well as Wisconsin. Despite these possible leads, the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and the investigation continues.
Last Seen: Dec 18, 1996

Links to Additional Sources (2)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Michael Shan Chien - The Charley Project
  • Michael S Chien | State of California - Department of Justice

    • 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.

    76%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP58402
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP58402 • Found Jun 10, 2019
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 74%Est. 50–70 vs 23 when missing
    Race 100%Asian
    Location 93%35 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 22 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'2"–5'6" vs 5'0"
    Weight 100%134 lb vs 140 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    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 (2)

    I’ve been following Michael Shan Chien’s case for a while now, and something that's been nagging at... ...Read More
    02/13/2024
    Has anyone looked into the fact that Michael's Nissan Maxima was found in Ventura? I'm curious if... ...Read More
    01/12/2023

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