The person at the center of this case
Louis Kelem
Missing Person · Open
37 years waiting · since 1988
Missing Person: Louis Kelem
Justice for Louis Kelem — the trail went cold in 1988, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1Why was Kelem's car found in Palm Springs, over 100 miles from where he was last seen in Century City?
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suspect
Lead #2What circumstances led investigators to suspect foul play in this case?
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witness
Lead #3Who were the last people to see Louis Kelem on December 16, 1988?
Louis Kelem, a 66-year-old man, disappeared on December 16, 1988, from the Century City section of Los Angeles after being last seen that day. His vehicle was later discovered in Palm Springs, approximately 100 miles away, raising serious concerns about foul play. Despite decades of investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, his fate remains unknown and anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
Case
#2018
Los Angeles Police Department - Adult Missing Persons Unit
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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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evidence
Lead #4What evidence or leads have investigators pursued in the 35+ years since 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 MP17758. Missing person: Louis Kelem.
Last known contact: 1988-12-16 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Circumstances: Louis Kelem was last seen on December 16, 1988, in the Century City section of Los Angeles, California.
His car was located in Palm Springs. Foul play is suspected.
Demographics: 66 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 6 in, 140 lbs, hair: Gray or Partially Gray, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Reddish leather sport coat style jacket, white v-necked sweater with brown stripes, white pattern dress shirt, and brown wool pants; Footwear: a pair of brown laced shoes. Investigating agency: Los Angeles Police Department- Adult Missing Persons Unit | 880745000.
Timeline of Events
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1988-12-16
Last Seen in Century City
Louis Kelem was last seen on December 16, 1988, in the Century City section of Los Angeles, California.
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1988-12-16
Disappearance
Louis Kelem disappeared from Century City; his vehicle was subsequently located in Palm Springs.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 16, 1988
Last Updated:June 11, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8772755273
You can remain anonymous
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Case Information
Incident:December 16, 1988
Last Updated:June 11, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8772755273
You can remain anonymous