Eugene Wade Martin

Missing Person
Age at Report: 13 YOA
Missing From: Des Moines, IA (Polk County)
Case Number: 8403891
Missing Since: August 12, 1984

Case summary compiled by Jody Ewing

On August 12, 1984, Eugene left his home at approximately 5 a.m. to deliver the Des Moines Register newspaper in the Des Moines area. He normally delivered the papers with his older stepbrother, but on this day went alone. Between 5:45 and 6:05 a.m., he was seen folding papers and talking to a white male "about the age of his father" on the corner a few blocks from his home.

Between 6:10 and 6:15 a.m., Eugene's bag was found on the ground outside of Des Moines with 10 folded papers still inside. When customers called to report not receiving their morning newspapers, the manager went out, found the bag and delivered the papers.

At approximately 8:40 a.m., the search for Eugene began. He has not been seen since.

Federal agents said there might be ''a definite connection'' to the disappearance of another paper carrier -- Johnny Gosch -- in Des Moines in 1982, and described the suspect as a "loner."

Authorities said they were treating the Martin case as a kidnapping and had issued a nationwide bulletin for a man described as between 30 and 40 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches, clean shaven and with a medium build.

''Generally, the person is an introvert, a loner who may or may not be extra guilt-ridden on what he does but will not turn himself in,'' said Herb Hawkins, special F.B.I. agent in charge of the Nebraska-Iowa field office in August 1994. He said some useful information was being gleaned from witnesses.

At one time, a $94,000 reward was offered -- $25,000 by the Des Moines Register -- for information leading to the recovery of either Johnny Gosch or Eugene Martin.

Neither boy has ever been found.

The following photo is an age-progression composite of how Eugene may look today. Eugene has a scar on his right knee and has had a broken right wrist.

If you think you have information that could help solve this case, please click here to send your information to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Sources and References:

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
Des Moines Register: Hansen: 25 years later, Eugene Martin case still haunts (Aug. 12, 2009)
New Picture Released In 25-Year-Old Case (Aug. 5, 2009)
The New York Times: AROUND THE NATION: Des Moines Man Sought In Boy's Disappearance (Aug. 15, 1984)
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
IDPS Missing Person Information Clearinghouse
Websleuths.com
Justice for Johnny

 

 

Page last updated: December 13, 2009