Rafael Escobar Jr., aged 18, was last seen on November 30, 1976, at St. Michael's Home for Children in Staten Island, New York. A resident of the home since he was 13 after his mother abandoned his family, Escobar was officially old enough to leave the institution. However, he chose to remain due to his deteriorating mental health and fear of the future.
Escobar had been deeply affected by his mother's departure, leading to a nervous breakdown at 13 and subsequent stays in psychiatric hospitals. He was on medication, including Lithium, which his sister said made him seem "like a zombie".
On the day of his disappearance, Escobar's younger brother, who also lived at St. Michael's, went to his room and found that he was not there. Escobar had recently been upset after learning he might not be able to achieve his dream of joining the military. Despite this setback, he had promised his sister he would make her proud. His sister had recently rented a large apartment and was planning for him to be the next of their siblings to come and live with her. She and her family maintained regular contact with Escobar, who would visit her on weekends.
After receiving a letter from St. Michael's informing them of his absence, Escobar's sister filed a missing person's report. Police informed her that they suspected foul play in his disappearance, but no viable leads were ever developed. The environment at St. Michael's Home for Children at the time was troubled, with reports of alcohol and drug abuse among the children, as well as instances of physical and sexual violence. It remains unclear if any residents of the home were involved in Escobar's disappearance. The home itself was closed in 1978.
In the years since his disappearance, Rafael Escobar Jr.'s family has not given up hope for answers. His sister has kept his bank account open and has not changed her phone number in the hope that he might one day reach out. With nine surviving siblings, the Escobar family continues to seek information about what happened to their brother.Last Seen: Nov 30, 1976
