The person at the center of this case
Lewis Barrett Welch
Missing Person · Open
55 years waiting · since 1971
Missing Person: Lewis Barrett Welch
Justice for Lewis Barrett Welch — the trail went cold in 1971, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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person
Lead #1Why was Welch carrying a .22 caliber revolver at the time of his disappearance?
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witness
Lead #2Who was the friend at whose house Welch was last seen, and what were the circumstances of his departure?
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location
Lead #3Has the area around Nevada City been thoroughly searched for any remains or evidence related to Welch's disappearance?
Lewis Barrett Welch, a 44-year-old poet and writer, vanished on May 23, 1971, after being seen at a friend's house in Nevada City, California. He was carrying a .22 caliber revolver and wearing denim clothing, but his exact whereabouts and circumstances of disappearance remain unknown. The case has remained unsolved for over 50 years, and investigators continue to seek 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 #4Are there any records of Welch's activities, contacts, or plans for the days following May 23, 1971?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP17816. Missing person: Lewis Barrett Welch.
Last known contact: 1971-05-23 in Nevada City, Nevada, CA. Circumstances: Lew Welch was last seen around Nevada City, California on May 23, 1971 at a friend's house.
Demographics: 44 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 6 ft 0 in, 150 lbs, hair: Red/Auburn, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Accessories: stainless steel heavy-frame Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver; Clothing: "Frisco" jeans and a denim jacket; Footwear: boots. Investigating agency: Nevada County Sheriff's Office | 1710-1215.
Timeline of Events
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1971-05-23
Last Seen at Friend's House
Lewis Barrett Welch was last seen around Nevada City, California on May 23, 1971 at a friend's house. He was 44 years old, 6 feet tall, 150 lbs, with red/auburn hair and brown eyes, wearing Frisco jeans, a denim jacket, and boots. He was carrying a stainless steel heavy-frame Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 23, 1971
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Phone: 5302651471
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Case Information
Incident:May 23, 1971
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5302651471
You can remain anonymous