The person at the center of this case
Dale Eugene Kelley
Violent Crime · Open - Unsolved
44 years waiting · since 1981
DALE EUGENE KELLEY - SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
Justice for Dale Eugene Kelley — the trail went cold in 1981, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🚗
vehicle
Lead #1Why was Kelley's vehicle found in New Orleans when he was supposedly driving to Los Angeles? Did he voluntarily change his destination or was he taken?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What is the significance of the Pat O'Brien's postcard, Texas book, and Texas map found in the vehicle? Were these his belongings or left by someone else?
⏰
timeline
Lead #3What happened between May 20 and June 4? How did the vehicle travel from California to Louisiana, and who was driving it?
On May 20, 1981, Dale Eugene Kelley, a 20-year-old American River College student and football player, disappeared while driving his orange 1976 Toyota Celica from Sacramento to Los Angeles to visit his girlfriend. Two weeks later, his abandoned vehicle was discovered in New Orleans, Louisiana, containing a Pat O'Brien's postcard, a Texas book, and a Texas map—suggesting he may have traveled far from his stated destination. After 45 years, Kelley's whereabouts and fate remain unknown, and investigators seek information about his movements and anyone who may have encountered him.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Were there any sightings of Kelley or his orange Celica along the route between Sacramento and New Orleans?
📞
contact
Lead #5Has anyone come forward with information about Kelley's movements, companions, or plans beyond his stated trip to Los Angeles?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
May 20, 1981 Sacramento, California On May 20, 1981, Dale Eugene Kelley, a student and football player at American River College in Sacramento, California, left his residence driving his orange 1976 Toyota Celica (California plate 598TIH). Kelley was heading to Los Angeles, California, to visit his then girlfriend.
When he did not arrive that afternoon, his girlfriend contacted Kelley’s roommates, who told her he left that morning. Kelley has not been seen or heard from since.
Two weeks later, on June 4, 1981, Kelley’s vehicle was located abandoned in New Orleans, Louisiana. Inside the vehicle was a “Pat O‘Brien’s” postcard, a book entitled “Texas” and a map of Texas.
Remarks: Kelley was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, with no further description.
Timeline of Events
👤
1981-05-20
morningDale Eugene Kelley Departs Sacramento
Kelley left his residence driving his orange 1976 Toyota Celica (California plate 598TIH), heading to Los Angeles to visit his girlfriend.
👁️
1981-05-20
Last Known Contact
Kelley's girlfriend expected him to arrive in Los Angeles that afternoon but he never arrived.
🔍
1981-06-04
Vehicle Located in New Orleans
Kelley's orange 1976 Toyota Celica was found abandoned in New Orleans, Louisiana, containing a Pat O'Brien's postcard, a book titled 'Texas,' and a map of Texas.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 20, 1981 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:May 9, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:May 20, 1981 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:May 9, 2026