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 did Welch disappear from his friend's house and what were the circumstances that led to his vanishing?
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evidence
Lead #2What significance did the Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver he was carrying have in his disappearance?
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witness
Lead #3What did the friend who last saw Welch observe about his demeanor or intentions that day?
Lewis Barrett Welch, a 44-year-old poet and writer, disappeared on May 23, 1971, after being last seen at a friend's house in Nevada City, California. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, with no confirmed sightings or evidence of his fate in the decades since. Despite ongoing interest from the literary community and investigators, the case remains unsolved and any information about Welch's whereabouts could help bring closure to this long-standing mystery.
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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 #4Have any remains or personal effects matching Welch's description been discovered in the Nevada City area since 1971?
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 at a friend's house on May 23, 1971.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 23, 1971
Last Updated:July 14, 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 14, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5302651471
You can remain anonymous