
The person at the center of this case
David Reuben Boniske
Justice for David Reuben Boniske — the trail went cold in 1977, but the truth hasn't.
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Why were his camera, hang glider, cash, and a check left behind at the college if he departed voluntarily?
What was the nature of his science project and could it have put him in danger or involved him with someone?
Why have his phone and credit cards remained completely unused for nearly 50 years—does this indicate foul play or voluntary disappearance?
David Reuben Boniske, a 21-year-old Evergreen State College student, disappeared on July 23, 1977, from his home in Olympia, Washington, leaving behind his camera, hang glider, and an unfinished science project. His phone and credit cards have remained unused since his disappearance, suggesting an abrupt and unexplained departure. Nearly five decades later, the circumstances of his vanishing remain unknown, and investigators seek any information that might explain what happened to this young man.
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Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
Were there any witnesses at his Olympia residence or the college campus on July 23, 1977?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
NamUs case MP17959. Missing person: David Reuben Boniske.
Last known contact: 1977-07-23 in Olympia, Thurston, WA. Circumstances: David Boniske was last seen on July 23, 1977, at his home in Olympia, Washington.
He was an Evergreen State College student at the time. A telephone and other credit cards which he normally used have not been used since his disappearance.
Some cash and a check were also left at the college, along with Boniske's camera and hang glider. At the time of his disappearance, Boniske had a science project going involving the camera, which he used extensively.
His disappearance occurred in the middle of the project. Demographics: 21 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 6 ft 5 in, 170 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Hazel. Clothing and accessories: Eyewear: wears glasses.
Investigating agency: Thurston County Sheriff's Office | 77-13827.
David Reuben Boniske, age 21, was last seen at his home in Olympia, Washington. He was an Evergreen State College student working on a science project involving photography.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.