In the quiet community of unincorporated Antioch, Illinois, the disappearance of 65-year-old criminal defense attorney Barry Boches left a void filled with unanswered questions and growing concern. The last confirmed sighting of Boches was on the morning of March 24, 2020, when he left his estranged wife's home in Deerfield. He told her he was heading to his law office in Waukegan to meet with a client. This departure seemed routine, and the two reportedly exchanged text messages throughout the day. However, as the day progressed, the communications grew more sporadic. The final known contact came just before midnight, when Boches sent a text message indicating he was done with his work 'up north' and would be staying there for the night, strangely adding that he had 'the virus' and needed to keep his distance. After that message, his phone was apparently turned off, and all communication ceased.
The following day, when Boches failed to return or make any contact, his wife reported him missing to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The investigation began immediately, with deputies and detectives trying to piece together his last known movements. His business partner checked their shared law office on Grand Avenue in Waukegan but found nothing out of the ordinary or disturbed. A significant break in the case came when Boches' 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe was discovered parked on a side street in Waukegan, approximately two miles from his office. A search of the vehicle yielded no signs of a struggle, foul play, or any clues as to Boches' whereabouts. Detectives canvassed the area, but no witnesses could recall seeing who had parked the SUV, with neighbors only stating it had been there for a couple of days. The lack of surveillance cameras in the immediate vicinity further complicated the investigation.
As the investigation deepened, the case was described by law enforcement as having 'unusual characteristics.' Investigators dedicated thousands of hours, conducting over 200 interviews and pursuing every lead that emerged. Despite these extensive efforts, which included technical support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the case grew cold. The troubling nature of his work as a criminal defense attorney led to speculation that his disappearance could be connected to a client, a theory his wife initially feared. Over time, the perspective of the Lake County Sheriff's Office shifted, and they stated their belief that foul play was a significant factor in his disappearance and that he was likely murdered. Despite this belief, no suspects have been named publicly, and Boches' remains have never been found, leaving his family and community with a painful and unresolved mystery. The investigation remains open, with authorities still hoping for new information that could finally bring answers and accountability.
Last Seen: Mar 24, 2020
