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 observe about Mr. Barth's condition and behavior on the railroad tracks? Was he alone or with anyone?
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location
Lead #2Why would a 70-year-old man with prescription bifocals leave his home to walk on railroad tracks? Was this typical behavior?
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evidence
Lead #3The backpack reportedly contained 1-2 bottles of whiskey—was Mr. Barth planning a trip, or does this suggest substance use that may have impaired his judgment?
David William Barth, a 70-year-old man, disappeared on July 30, 2004, from his home in Blue Canyon, Placer County, California, after his wife briefly left him on the porch. A neighbor reported seeing him walking eastbound on nearby railroad tracks shortly after he vanished. Despite the initial lead and detailed description of his appearance and clothing, his whereabouts remain unknown after more than two decades, and investigators continue seeking information about what happened to 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.
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clue
Lead #4Have the railroad tracks been thoroughly searched? Could he have fallen or become injured along the tracks?
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timeline
Lead #5The 10-minute window between when he was last seen and when he was discovered missing is very narrow—did anyone else see him during this time?
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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
David Barth disappears
Mr. Barth was last seen sitting on his porch. His wife noticed he was gone approximately 10 minutes later.
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2004-07-30
Neighbor sighting on railroad tracks
A neighbor reported seeing Mr. Barth walking eastbound on the railroad tracks located near his home on the day of his disappearance.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 30, 2004
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5308897800
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Case Information
Incident:July 30, 2004
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5308897800
You can remain anonymous