The person at the center of this case
Willie James Smith III
Missing Person · Open
22 years waiting · since 2004
Missing Person: Willie James Smith III
Justice for Willie James Smith III — the trail went cold in 2004, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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person
Lead #1Why has Willie had no contact with family for over 20 years when such contact was reportedly his normal pattern?
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clue
Lead #2What were Willie's circumstances and activities on July 21, 2004, the day he disappeared?
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witness
Lead #3Did anyone see Willie after July 21, 2004, or have information about his movements that day?
Willie James Smith III, a 45-year-old Black male, disappeared on July 21, 2004, from Columbia, South Carolina, with no contact from family since that date—highly unusual for him. Despite being missing for over two decades, the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and investigators have not determined whether he left voluntarily or met with foul play. Anyone with information about Willie's whereabouts or what happened to him is urged to contact the Columbia 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.
🔍
evidence
Lead #4Are there any records of Willie's financial activity, phone usage, or other indicators of his whereabouts after 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 MP33818. Missing person: Willie James Smith III.
Last known contact: 2004-07-21 in Columbia, Richland, SC. Circumstances: Willie James Smith III was last seen on July 21, 2004.
He has had no contact with family members which is highly unusual. Demographics: 45 years, Male, Black / African American.
Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 145 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown. Investigating agency: Columbia Police Department | 04-36551.
Timeline of Events
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2004-07-21
Last Known Contact
Willie James Smith III was last seen on July 21, 2004, in Columbia, South Carolina. He has had no contact with family members since this date, which is highly unusual.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 21, 2004
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:July 21, 2004
Last Updated:October 16, 2026