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Case Description
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Obaidullah James Shams, 30, was last seen on October 8, 1997, in Lancaster, California. At the time of his disappearance, he was on his way home to San Diego after visiting his wife in Modesto, California. Shams had called his brother to inform him that he would be making a stop at a friend's house in Palmdale, California. He is believed to have reached Palmdale but never arrived at his final destination. Shams was last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants, and black pull-on biker boots.
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Last Seen: Oct 08, 1997
Links to Additional Sources (5)
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Victim Details

Jan 24, 2026

Jan 24, 2026

Obaidullah

James Shams

30

30

5'7 inches

137 lbs

White

Male

Shams was last seen in Lancaster, California on October 8, 1997. He had planned to travel to northern California with a friend that month. He disappeared shortly after stopping in Palmdale, California. Shams has never been heard from again. Authorities said that Chas Timothy Davis was one of the last people to see Shams. Davis was arrested on drug charges near west 40th Street and Avenue L in Los Angeles County, California in May 1998. He was apprehended by Shams's investigating officers and questioned about the case, but he has not been charged in connection with it. Shams resided in San Diego, California in 1997. Foul play is suspected in his case.

Oct 08, 1997

Lancaster

California

Lancaster

6

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departmen

323-890-5500

01/25/2026