Michael Larry Madden, a 20-year-old Humboldt State University student, went missing on August 12, 1996, while camping and fishing at Sand Bar Flat in the Stanislaus National Forest near Sonora, California. Michael had left his home on August 10 with his dog, Matilda, and camping gear, planning to meet friends at the campsite. When his friends arrived on August 12, they found no sign of him but did find his camping gear and a freshly made campfire.
A man named Joseph Tine appeared at the campsite shortly after Michael's friends arrived, acting suspiciously and repeatedly cocking a pistol during the interaction. Tine allegedly wore boots similar to those Michael was known to have, though this was never confirmed. Despite extensive searches by local authorities, including sniffer dogs and divers, no trace of Michael was found, although Matilda returned to the campsite four days later, dehydrated and unable to lead searchers to him.
Authorities suspect foul play in Michael's disappearance, but no charges have been brought against anyone, including Tine, who took a polygraph test nine months later. Some investigators have speculated that Michael may have been the victim of an unknown serial killer operating in the area, but no definitive evidence has been uncovered to confirm this theory. Michael’s case remains unsolved.Last Seen: Aug 13, 1996
