In the community of Kent, Washington, the story of 81-year-old Larry Martinez unfolded with worry and ended in sorrow. On June 8, 2022, the Hispanic male, who was living with Alzheimer's and dementia, was last seen at the Pied Piper Pub in downtown Kent. Video surveillance captured him leaving through the back door of the establishment at approximately 1:30 p.m. while his wife, Linda, was at a nearby event. At the time of his disappearance, Martinez was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, a black sweater, gray slacks, and black shoes. He was known to walk with a limp and was also hard of hearing, adding to the concern for his well-being. He had no vehicle or cell phone with him.
The days and weeks that followed Mr. Martinez's disappearance were filled with determined efforts from his family, the Kent Police Department, and the local community. Linda Martinez, his wife of 60 years, organized search parties, and they, along with law enforcement, conducted multiple searches. The search efforts were extensive, with widespread media campaigns hoping to glean any information that might lead to his location. There were a couple of unconfirmed sightings in the days after he went missing, one at Kent Station and another at a Home Depot in Covington, but these leads did not result in his safe return. The community held onto hope, but as time passed with no confirmed sightings, the chances of finding him grew slimmer.
Tragically, the search for Larry Martinez came to a heartbreaking conclusion. On August 18, 2025, skeletal remains were discovered in an area near State Route 167, just north of the James Street overpass. The Kent Police Department and the Washington State Patrol responded to the scene. The King County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed the remains were those of Larry Martinez. While this was not the outcome anyone had hoped for, the discovery brought a painful sense of closure to his family and friends. The medical examiner's office stated that no foul play was suspected in his death; however, due to the condition of the remains, the official cause and manner of his death will remain undetermined. The case of Larry Martinez is a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities of individuals with cognitive conditions and the profound impact such a loss has on a family and the community that rallied around them.
Last Seen: Jun 08, 2022
