The person at the center of this case
Matthew John Ferris
Missing Person · Open
35 years waiting · since 1991
Missing Person: Matthew John Ferris
Justice for Matthew John Ferris — the trail went cold in 1991, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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timeline
Lead #1What were Matthew's specific plans or reasons for potentially heading to the west coast?
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person
Lead #2Did Matthew have family, friends, or contacts on the west coast who could provide leads?
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clue
Lead #3Were there any vehicles involved in his disappearance or transportation to the west coast?
Matthew John Ferris, a 20-year-old white male, was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on March 7, 1991, from Ames, Iowa. He was last known to be in contact on that date and may have been headed toward the west coast. Despite the passage of over three decades, the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
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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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witness
Lead #4Who was the last person to see or speak with Matthew before his disappearance?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP17065. Missing person: Matthew John Ferris.
Last known contact: 1991-03-07 in Ames, Story, IA. Circumstances: Matthew Ferris was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department (515-283-4800), in Des Moines on March 7, 1991.
Possibly headed to west coast. Demographics: 20 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 140 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue. Investigating agency: Des Moines Police Department | 1991-9217.
Timeline of Events
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1991-03-07
Last known contact
Matthew John Ferris was last known to be in contact in Ames, Iowa. He may have been headed to the west coast.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:March 7, 1991
Last Updated:July 4, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
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Case Information
Incident:March 7, 1991
Last Updated:July 4, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous