Crime Solvers Central
CSC
221 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Case Description
Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Eighteen-year-old Farren Wade Stanberry was an adventurous young man who, on his eighteenth birthday in August 1979, decided to leave his home in John Day, Oregon, to travel the country. Raised by his grandmother and aunt, Stanberry was in regular contact with his family, calling them at least once a month to let them know he was safe. His journey eventually led him to San Francisco, California, where he was staying in a hotel. At the time of his disappearance, Stanberry was described as a white ...Read More
Last Seen: May 01, 1980
Links to Additional Sources (9)
See any mistakes? Let us know!
Victim Details

Jan 24, 2026

Jan 24, 2026

Farren

Wade Stanberry

18

18

5'10 inches

165 lbs

White

Male

Stanberry's family resides in John Day, Oregon. On his eighteenth birthday on August 26, 1979, he told his loved ones he wanted to see the world. He began traveling around the country, calling home at least once a month to assure his family he was safe. Stanberry's family last heard from him in May or June 1980, when he called them from San Francisco, California. He stated he was staying at the International Hotel with some other young men, and that he had lost his job and was short of money. Stanberry asked his mother for some money, but she refused to send him any. That same day, he called his grandmother and told her he loved her. His grandmother stated nothing seemed to be amiss during the conversation. Stanberry never contacted his loved ones again. After several weeks, they got in touch with the hotel and discovered he had left abruptly, leaving his possessions behind and owing rent. His family stated this was uncharacteristic of Stanberry's behavior. They believe he is deceased, but the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are unclear. Oregon police are investigating.

May 01, 1980

San Francisco

California

San Francisco

13

John Day, Oregon Police Departmen

541-575-0030

01/25/2026