The person at the center of this case
Eugene Wade Martin
Missing Person · Open
41 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 with newspapers still inside? Was it dropped during a struggle or left intentionally?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any newspaper customers or residents who saw Eugene that morning or noticed anything unusual on his delivery route?
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clue
Lead #3The specific location where the paper bag was found could indicate where Eugene was taken or what direction he traveled.
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 something interrupted his route. Despite decades of investigation, his fate remains unknown, and authorities continue seeking information about his disappearance.
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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.
👤
person
Lead #4A 13-year-old boy delivering newspapers would have been visible to early morning commuters and residents—did anyone witness an interaction or unusual vehicle activity?
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
05:30Last Seen on Newspaper Route
Eugene Wade Martin was last seen between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. while delivering newspapers in Des Moines.
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1984-08-12
Paper Bag Found
A paper bag containing newspapers was discovered outside of Des Moines, suggesting Eugene's route was interrupted.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 12, 1984 at 5:30 AM
Last Updated:July 8, 2026
Have Information?
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:July 8, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous