The person at the center of this case
Robert Clifton Newell
Missing Person · Open
51 years waiting · since 1974
Missing Person: Robert Clifton Newell
Justice for Robert Clifton Newell — the trail went cold in 1974, but the truth hasn't.
Start here
Key leads to think about
👤
person
Lead #1Why did a 64-year-old man with a noticeable limp disappear on Christmas Eve 1974? Was he planning to travel or visit someone?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2The green and red checked suitcase he was carrying—was it ever located or recovered?
📍
location
Lead #3What was significant about the Langdon Park area in 1974, and did anyone in that neighborhood witness his departure?
Robert Clifton Newell, a 64-year-old man, disappeared on or about Christmas Eve 1974 from the Langdon Park area of Washington, D.C. He was last seen carrying a distinctive green and red checked suitcase and walked with a noticeable limp. Despite decades of investigation by the DC Metropolitan Police Department, his whereabouts remain unknown and the circumstances of his disappearance have never been fully resolved.
Try asking
Claim this imported case
A one-time $10 claim transfers this imported case workspace to your account. You get 10 uploads for this case, 25 daily AI questions for this case, and public tips with files route to you.
10 uploads25 AI questions/day
This does not start a subscription. When the included limits are reached, the Personal plan unlocks more workspace capacity.
More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4His physical characteristics (5'6", 190 lbs, brown hair and eyes) and distinctive gait should have made him recognizable—why has no trace been found after 50+ years?
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 MP38318. Missing person: Robert Clifton Newell.
Last known contact: 1974-12-24 in Washington, District of Columbia, DC. Circumstances: Robert C.
Newell was last seen on or about Christmas Eve, 1974. His last known address was in Langdon Park area of WDC.
Mr. Newell walked with a noticeable limp.
Demographics: 64 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 6 in, 190 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Last seen carrying a green and red checked suitcase.. Investigating agency: DC Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters | NOT PROVIDED | 2008-11-01.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1974-12-24
Last Seen on Christmas Eve 1974
Robert Clifton Newell was last seen on or about Christmas Eve 1974 in the Langdon Park area of Washington, D.C., carrying a green and red checked suitcase.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 24, 1974
Last Updated:June 15, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2027279099
You can remain anonymous
Leave a comment
Comments
Case Information
Incident:December 24, 1974
Last Updated:June 15, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2027279099
You can remain anonymous