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
🔍
evidence
Lead #1What circumstances led to the newspaper bag being found outside Des Moines with papers still inside? Was there evidence of struggle or foul play?
👁️
witness
Lead #2Were there any witnesses who saw Eugene or an unfamiliar vehicle on or near his delivery route that morning?
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timeline
Lead #3What was the exact location where the newspaper bag was discovered, and how far was it from Eugene's known delivery area?
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 newspaper bag containing undelivered papers was found outside the city, suggesting an abrupt interruption to his route. After more than four decades, Eugene's fate remains unknown, and investigators continue to seek information about what happened during those early morning hours.
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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 anyone come forward with information about a 13-year-old boy matching Eugene's description in the years following his disappearance?
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 delivering newspapers
Eugene 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
unknownNewspaper bag found
A paper bag containing undelivered newspapers was discovered outside of Des Moines, indicating an interruption to his delivery route.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 12, 1984 at 5:30 AM
Last Updated:July 1, 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 1, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous