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298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP93565) and 2 other sources
In the early summer of 2022, concern grew for 89-year-old Melvin Lance Milton, a resident of Tacoma, Washington. On June 9th, the elderly man, a white male with graying hair and blue eyes, vanished from his home. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to be wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of a pink shirt layered under a rust-colored plaid shirt, blue jeans, and white Nike shoes. His departure from his residence marked the beginning of a distressing period for his loved ones and a puzzle for law enforcement. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance were initially unclear, leaving a void of information and a host of unanswered questions for his family and the community.

The investigation into Melvin's whereabouts began when he was reported missing, a formal report being filed with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office the day after he was last seen. A significant development in the case came with the discovery of his vehicle. The car was found abandoned at a park situated near the iconic Narrows Bridge, a location that offered few clues as to Melvin's direction of travel or his state of mind. This finding intensified the search efforts and the sense of urgency, as the location provided a vast and challenging area for search and rescue operations, encompassing both land and the turbulent waters of the Puget Sound.

The official investigation, under case number 22-161-00511, prompted a comprehensive search of the area where the vehicle was recovered. Law enforcement agencies dedicated resources to scour the park and its surroundings, hoping to find any trace of the missing man. Despite their efforts, the days turned into weeks, and the initial burst of activity began to wane without any significant breakthroughs. The case remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep void left behind when a loved one disappears without a trace. The overview of the case is one of sudden departure and a lingering mystery, with the discovery of his car near the Narrows Bridge being the last known piece of physical evidence in the timeline of his disappearance.

Last Seen: Jun 9, 2022

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

78%Possible
John Doe — Tacoma, Washington
UP120946 • Found Nov 26, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 30–99 vs 89 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%4 mi away, same county
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 6'0"
Weight 70%161 lb vs 215 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.