The person at the center of this case
Eugene Wade Martin
Missing Person · Open
42 years waiting · since 1984
Missing Person: Eugene Wade Martin
Justice for Eugene Wade Martin — the trail went cold in 1984, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What circumstances led to the paper bag being found outside Des Moines? Was it dropped during a struggle or left intentionally?
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witness
Lead #2Did anyone witness Eugene or an unfamiliar vehicle in the delivery area that morning between 5:30-6:00 a.m.?
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timeline
Lead #3Why was there a gap in Eugene's newspaper delivery route, and what specific locations did he cover that morning?
Eugene Wade Martin, a 13-year-old boy, disappeared on August 12, 1984, while delivering newspapers in Des Moines, Iowa between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. A paper bag containing newspapers was found outside the city, suggesting he may have encountered foul play during his route. Despite decades of investigation, Eugene's fate remains unknown and tips are still being sought to solve this cold case.
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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 #4Has the paper bag or any other physical evidence been preserved and could modern forensic analysis yield new leads?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP6348. Missing person: Eugene Wade Martin.
Last known contact: 1984-08-12 in Des Moines, Polk, IA. Circumstances: Eugene was last seen between 5:30 a.m.
and 6 a.m. as he was delivering newspapers.
A paper bag was found outside of Des Moines with papers still inside. He has a scar on his right knee and has had a broken right wrist.
Demographics: 13 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 0 in, 110 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Blue jeans; Gray midriff shirt with white stripes and red sleeves; Footwear: Blue Trax shoes. Investigating agency: Des Moines Police Department | 8430464.
Timeline of Events
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1984-08-12
05:30Eugene last seen delivering newspapers
Eugene Wade Martin was last seen between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. while on his newspaper delivery route in Des Moines.
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1984-08-12
Paper bag with newspapers found
A paper bag containing newspapers was discovered outside of Des Moines, suggesting Eugene may not have completed his route.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 12, 1984 at 5:30 AM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
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Case Information
Incident:August 12, 1984 at 5:30 AM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous