In the summer of 2026, concern grew for a 13-year-old boy from Medford, Oregon, named Malechai Stuart. The teen was officially reported as last seen on July 27, 2026. At the time of his disappearance, Malechai was described as a White male, standing five feet six inches tall and weighing around 120 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes, and a distinguishing scar located above his left eye. The Medford Police Department is handling the investigation into his whereabouts.
The circumstances surrounding Malechai's disappearance suggest he may be staying with various people in the Medford area. His family received a phone call from him on September 20, 2026, nearly two months after he was last seen. During the call, Malechai did not disclose his location, leading his family and investigators to believe he is "couch surfing" at different residences. This was not the first time the teen had been reported missing. According to the Medford Police Department, Malechai has a history of running away. In a prior instance, he had been listed as a missing person, only to return home and leave again a few hours later. This pattern has heightened the concern for his safety and well-being given his young age.
Authorities have previously indicated that Malechai was known to frequent specific locations in Medford, including the Rogue Valley Mall and the Medford Library. The investigation remains active as family and law enforcement continue to seek information that could lead to his safe return. The case is a distressing situation where a young teen is believed to be navigating an unstable living situation on his own. The overview of the case reflects a pattern of a vulnerable youth leaving home, with his family's brief phone contact providing some reassurance that he is in the general area, yet offering no specific information to confirm his safety or location.
Last Seen: Jul 27, 2026
