The person at the center of this case
David William Barth
Missing Person · Open
22 years waiting · since 2004
Missing Person: David William Barth
Justice for David William Barth — the trail went cold in 2004, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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witness
Lead #1What did the neighbor who reported seeing Mr. Barth on the railroad tracks observe about his condition, direction of travel, and whether he appeared to be in distress?
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location
Lead #2Why was Mr. Barth walking on the railroad tracks, and where might those tracks lead from his residence?
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evidence
Lead #3Was the backpack containing whiskey bottles ever recovered, and could it provide clues about his intended destination?
David William Barth, a 70-year-old man, disappeared on July 30, 2004, from his home in Blue Canyon, California after stepping onto his porch; his wife noticed he was gone within 10 minutes, and a neighbor reported seeing him walking eastbound on nearby railroad tracks. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear—whether he wandered away voluntarily, became lost, or met with foul play has never been determined. Anyone with information about Mr. Barth's whereabouts or activities that day is urged to contact the Placer County Sheriff's Office, as this case remains unsolved after two decades.
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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.
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clue
Lead #4At age 70, what medical or cognitive factors might have contributed to his sudden departure from the porch?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP3912. Missing person: David William Barth.
Last known contact: 2004-07-30 in Blue Canyon, Placer, CA. Circumstances: Mr.
Barth was sitting on the porch and the wife noticed 10 minutes later he was gone, a neighbor reported seeing Mr. Barth walking eastbound on the railroad tracks located near his home.
Demographics: 70 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 11 in, 185 lbs, hair: White, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: a white short sleeved t-shirt, 17" collared long sleeve cotton shirt in dark blue/light blue and white checked shirt, light blue polyester pants, dark ball cap, rust/light brown colored book bag type backpack believed to contain one to two 1/2 gallon bottles of whiskey either Kessler or Ten-High brand.; Eyewear: polarizing prescription bifocal glasses; Footwear: Size 9 1/2 EEE Mason shoe; Jewelry: ring on right hand-white metal band containing a large white stone. Investigating agency: Placer County Sheriff's Office | 04-11740 | 2004-07-30.
Timeline of Events
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2004-07-30
Mr. Barth disappears from home
David William Barth was sitting on his porch when his wife noticed he was gone approximately 10 minutes later. A neighbor reported seeing him walking eastbound on railroad tracks near his home.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 30, 2004
Last Updated:June 19, 2026
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Phone: 5308897800
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Case Information
Incident:July 30, 2004
Last Updated:June 19, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5308897800
You can remain anonymous