On December 9, 2013, in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a 50-year-old man named Alfonso Chadder Cotton shared a meal with a friend. This dinner would be the last time he was reportedly seen. The friend later recalled that Cotton seemed depressed and was acting strangely that evening, a detail that would later add a layer of concern to his sudden absence. The following day, the Portland Police Bureau was alerted to a discovery that deepened the mystery of his whereabouts. Alfonso Cotton's wallet and identification were found near the Burnside Bridge in Portland, a concerning find that officially triggered the start of a missing person investigation.
The initial days of the search for Alfonso Cotton yielded few answers but uncovered another piece of the puzzle. His vehicle, a blue 2002 Mazda MPV minivan, was located, but not in a way that provided any immediate clarity. The van had been left at a 205 Gas station for approximately two weeks before the station owner had it towed as a private party impound. It was only when the towing company notified the Portland Police Bureau of the impound, in compliance with Oregon law, that the vehicle was connected to the missing person case. Investigators from the Lake Oswego Police Department thoroughly searched and processed the Mazda, but unfortunately, the vehicle offered no significant leads that could help trace Alfonso Cotton's steps after he disappeared.
The investigation into Alfonso Cotton's disappearance has continued, marked by a series of unanswered questions. The discovery of his personal effects near the Burnside Bridge, coupled with his friend's observation of his depressed state, paints a troubling picture of his last known hours. The subsequent finding of his abandoned vehicle further complicates the timeline of events. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, including the Lake Oswego Police Department, the specific circumstances leading to his disappearance and his current location remain unknown, leaving his family and community with a profound sense of uncertainty. The case is a collection of disparate and concerning clues that have yet to form a complete picture of what happened to Alfonso Cotton.
Last Seen: Dec 09, 2013
