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 #1Why did Matthew indicate he was heading to the west coast, and did he actually travel in that direction?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any witnesses who saw Matthew after March 7, 1991, or anyone who had contact with him during his intended travel?
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clue
Lead #3What circumstances led to his disappearance—was it voluntary relocation or something more serious?
Matthew John Ferris, a 20-year-old white male, was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on March 7, 1991, and was believed to be heading toward the west coast. Over three decades later, his whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators have not determined whether he left voluntarily or met with foul play. Anyone with information about Matthew's movements after March 1991 is urged to contact the Des Moines Police Department.
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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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location
Lead #4Did Matthew reach the west coast, or did something happen to him before or during his journey?
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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 Des Moines, Polk, 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 on March 7, 1991, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was believed to be headed toward the west coast.
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1991-03-07
Reported Missing
Matthew was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on March 7, 1991.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:March 7, 1991
Last Updated:July 1, 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 1, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous