On a winter evening in Lincolnton, North Carolina, 53-year-old Richard Keith Perdue, who often went by Keith, was last seen. It was January 22, 2018, when a camera recorded him leaving his residence through a side door at approximately 8:30 p.m. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing black jogging pants and a dark blue hoodie. Perdue is described as a white male, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 138 to 140 pounds. He has black, ear-length hair and blue eyes.
Concern for Richard's well-being was amplified by the fact that he has been diagnosed with several medical conditions, including autism and schizophrenia. The day after he was last seen, the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons issued a Silver Alert for him, indicating he was believed to be suffering from a cognitive impairment like dementia. Reports indicate that Richard walked away from the Boger City Rest Home, and the staff reported him missing about two hours after he left the facility. This delay in reporting his absence added to the urgency of the search.
In the days that followed, law enforcement, including the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, conducted searches in the area surrounding the rest home. A drone was utilized to survey a 300-meter diameter around the location, but these initial efforts did not lead to finding Richard. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has been the primary investigating agency, and they have asked the public for any information regarding his whereabouts. The case of Richard Keith Perdue remains a distressing mystery, leaving his family and community with unanswered questions and a continued sense of loss. The investigation into his disappearance is ongoing, with law enforcement still seeking clues that might lead to a resolution.
Last Seen: Jan 22, 2018
