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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location
Lead #1What was the identity of the friend whose house Welch visited on May 23, 1971, and what were the circumstances of his departure?
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evidence
Lead #2The revolver Welch was carrying—was it ever recovered, and could it provide forensic clues to his fate?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any witnesses to Welch's movements after leaving the friend's house that day?
Lewis Barrett Welch, a 44-year-old poet and writer, disappeared on May 23, 1971, after visiting a friend's house in Nevada City, California. He was last seen that day and has never been found, leaving behind questions about the circumstances of his vanishing and the location of his remains. Despite decades passing, the case remains open and investigators continue to seek information from anyone who may have encountered Welch or have knowledge of 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 #4Given Welch's literary prominence, did his disappearance connect to any personal conflicts or unusual circumstances in his life at that time?
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 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. He was wearing Frisco jeans, a denim jacket, and boots, and was carrying a stainless steel Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 23, 1971
Last Updated:July 8, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5302651471
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Case Information
Incident:May 23, 1971
Last Updated:July 8, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5302651471
You can remain anonymous