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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP13894) and 8 other sources
In the early evening of November 17, 2003, Mathew Colter was at his home on Erika Road in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The last person to see the 46-year-old was his sister, who later recalled that he was behaving unusually at the time of their interaction around 6:30 p.m. This was particularly concerning as Mathew lived with schizophrenia and required medication, which he did not have with him when he vanished. His loved ones were unaware that this would be the last time they would see him, a prelude to a mystery that has endured for years. Mathew was a Black male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing around 160 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and he wore eyeglasses.

The day after Mathew was last seen, his sister returned to his residence, prompted by concern. She discovered a deeply unsettling scene. The back door to the home was unlocked, and there were pry marks on it, suggesting a possible forced entry. Inside, the sense of disturbance continued, with some appliances damaged. In a bizarre and troubling discovery, someone had defecated on the floor and on a bed. Of Mathew Colter, however, there was no trace. He had disappeared from his home, leaving behind a confusing and alarming scene that offered no immediate answers as to his whereabouts.

In the days that followed Mathew's disappearance, law enforcement conducted an extensive search of the area, utilizing bloodhounds and aerial support, but their efforts yielded no signs of the missing man. A few reports of possible sightings in the area surfaced, but none of these could be confirmed, leaving investigators and his family with no solid leads to follow. The strange and disturbing condition of his home led authorities to suspect foul play was involved in his case. The investigation into what happened to Mathew Colter has remained open but unsolved, leaving a painful void for his family and community. The case is a perplexing one, marked by his vulnerable state due to his medical condition and the disturbing evidence left behind, pointing towards a harmful end to his last known evening at home.

Last Seen: Nov 17, 2003

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 — Georgia
UP11124 • Found Jun 14, 2008
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 34–56 vs 45–46 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 83%72 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"

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.