The person at the center of this case
Eric L. Smith
Missing Person · Open
18 years waiting · since 2008
Missing Person: Eric L Smith
Justice for Eric L. Smith — the trail went cold in 2008, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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witness
Lead #1What did the cousin who dropped Eric off at Cottonwood Apartments observe or know about his plans that day?
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location
Lead #2Why was Eric dropped at Cottonwood Apartments and what was his connection to that location?
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clue
Lead #3Has anyone reported seeing Eric in the brown wool sweater, white tee shirt, and blue jeans he was wearing?
Eric L. Smith, a 28-year-old Black male, was last seen on August 26, 2008, at his residence in Cahokia, Illinois, after his cousin reportedly dropped him off at Cottonwood Apartments. Nearly two decades later, his whereabouts remain unknown and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear. Anyone with information about Eric's location or what happened that day is urged to contact the Cahokia Heights Police Department.
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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.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4What happened between when his cousin dropped him off and when his wife reported him missing?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP22625. Missing person: Eric L Smith.
Last known contact: 2008-08-26 in Cahokia, St. Clair, IL.
Circumstances: Eric L. Smith was last seen at his residence on 08/26/08.
He was reported missing by his wife. He left the house with his cousin who reportedly dropped Eric off at the Cottonwood Apartments in Cahokia, Illinois.
Demographics: 28 years, Male, Black / African American. Physical description: 5 ft 8 in, 150 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Brown wool sweater White tee shirt Blue jeans. Investigating agency: Cahokia Heights Police Department | 2008-14705 | 2008-08-27.
Timeline of Events
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2008-08-26
Last Seen
Eric L. Smith was last seen at his residence in Cahokia, Illinois. He left the house with his cousin who reportedly dropped him off at Cottonwood Apartments.
🕵️
2008-08-27
Missing Person Report Filed
Eric was reported missing by his wife to Cahokia Heights Police Department (Case #2008-14705).
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 26, 2008
Last Updated:August 17, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 6183321184
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Case Information
Incident:August 26, 2008
Last Updated:August 17, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 6183321184
You can remain anonymous