The person at the center of this case
Michael Joseph Owen
Missing Person · Open
48 years waiting · since 1978
Missing Person: Michael Joseph Owen
Justice for Michael Joseph Owen — the trail went cold in 1978, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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person
Lead #1Why did Owen frequently use the alias Brian Jacobson and what was his connection to the Leadville pink church where he lived in 1982?
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timeline
Lead #2How was Owen last confirmed in Leadville in January 1978 but also documented living in a pink church in Leadville in 1982—what are the exact dates of his disappearance?
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clue
Lead #3Given Owen's transient lifestyle between San Diego, Hawaii, and Colorado, could he have relocated voluntarily or does evidence suggest foul play?
Michael Joseph Owen, a 30-year-old transient surfer, was last known to be in contact in Leadville, Colorado in January 1978. Owen frequently traveled between California, Hawaii, and Colorado, sometimes using the alias Brian Jacobson, and struggled with mental illness complicated by substance abuse. Despite investigations by Maui County Police Department and local authorities, his current whereabouts remain unknown and the case remains open.
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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 records exist from Maui County Police regarding their investigation, and why is a Hawaiian jurisdiction investigating a Colorado disappearance?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP29978. Missing person: Michael Joseph Owen.
Last known contact: 1978-01-01 in Leadville, Lake, CO. Circumstances: Michael Joseph Owen lived in a pink church in Leadville in 1982.
He was somewhat transient between San Diego, California and Hawaii - and was an avid surfer. He often went by the name Brian Jacobson.
He suffered from mental illness exacerbated by drug use. Demographics: 30 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 0 in, 140 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue. Investigating agency: Maui County Police Department and Coroner | NOT PROVIDED.
Timeline of Events
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1978-01-01
Last known contact
Michael Joseph Owen was last known to be in contact in Leadville, Lake County, Colorado
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 1, 1978
Last Updated:August 12, 2026
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Phone: 8082446400
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 1978
Last Updated:August 12, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8082446400
You can remain anonymous