207 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Case Description
Any updates on this case?
James Patrick McElhenie, a 25-year-old man, went missing on June 15, 1997, while boating near Friday Harbor, Washington. He was on a boat with Dan Bentzen, 34, when their vessel disappeared in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Despite search efforts, neither the boat nor the two men were found. The circumstances of their disappearance remain unclear, and the case has puzzled investigators. Both McElhenie and Bentzen are still listed as missing, and no trace of them has been discovered since.
Last Seen: Jun 15, 1997
Last Seen: Jun 15, 1997
Links to Additional Sources (4)
See any mistakes?Victim Details
Sep 30, 2022
Jan 12, 2024
James
McElhenie
52
25
73 inches
165 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
Jun 15, 1997
Friday Harbor
Washington
San Juan County
No
237
119637
San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Friday Harbor
Washington
San Juan County
98250
96 2nd Street North, Washington
3603784151
County
Law Enforcement
97-1462
1997-06-24
San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Brown
Hazel
Hazel
11/22/2025
Area Last Seen:



