The disappearance of Eugene Martin on August 12, 1984, remains a haunting mystery in Des Moines, Iowa. Eugene, a 13-year-old paperboy, vanished while delivering newspapers, leaving enduring questions and a community seeking answers for decades. Despite extensive investigations and the involvement of federal agents, Eugene's case is still unresolved. The only clues left behind were witness accounts of Eugene speaking with an unidentified man early that morning and his abandoned newspaper bag found later. This case and the similar disappearance of another paperboy, Johnny Gosch, have sparked theories and continuous search efforts. The impact of Eugene's story extends beyond Des Moines, symbolizing the broader issue of missing children and the importance of community awareness and safety. Resources are available at the Iowa Cold Cases website and The Charley Project for more detailed information on Eugene's case.
SOURCES:
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81885830/
https://www.newspapers.com/image/546159760/?terms=Eugene%20Martin&match=1
http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/8dmia.html
https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/eugene-martin-case-remains-open-after-31-years/524-02cb76a5-43bd-4297-af0d-5275df5aee9e
https://charleyproject.org/case/eugene-wade-martin
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/johnny-gosch/
https://www.radioiowa.com/2017/07/20/johnny-goschs-red-wagon-to-be-displayed-at-iowa-state-fair/
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2012/04/etan-patz-case-why-did-dairies-put-missing-children-on-their-milk-cartons.html
Websleuths.com
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
“AROUND THE NATION: Des Moines Man Sought In Boy’s Disappearance,” The New York Times, Aug. 15, 1984
“Missing Newspaper Boy’s Father Dies,” KCCI.com, Dec. 29, 2010
Donald J Martin (1945 – 2010) – Find A Grave Memorial
“Cold Case: Des Moines paperboy Eugene Martin,” by Aaron Brilbeck, WHO-TV Channel 13 Des Moines, July 8, 2010
“Hansen: 25 years later, Eugene Martin case still haunts,” The Des Moines Register, Aug. 12, 2009
“New Picture Released In 25-Year-Old Case,” KCCI.com, Aug. 5, 2009
“Years drag on for parents of missing boys,” by Rod Boshart, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Saturday, August 12, 1989
“Gosch, Martin only ‘stranger abduction’ cases on missing list,” by Rod Boshart, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Saturday, August 12, 1989
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hvTC_i6aDQ
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnsolvedMysteries/comments/dru51z/eugene_martin_and_johnny_gosch_case/
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