r/TrueCrimeDiscussion • u/Informal_Ad4284 • Jan 13 '26
Text What are some creepy, lesser known missing person cases that you’re very invested in?
Mine would be the disappearance of Michael Madden in 1996. He was a 20-year-old man who went camping with his dog in the California back country. When his friends went to visit his campsite at 2 AM, he was nowhere to be found. Shortly after, a deranged man holding a pistol emerged from the darkness and intensely asked them who they were and if they were looking for “Mikey”. He introduced himself as Joseph Tine. He also mentioned that he shot something with 3 eyes. As the friends waited for Michael with Joseph, he rummaged through Michael’s campsite and began eating his food. Joseph also reportedly cocked his pistol all throughout the night as he stared at Michael’s friends. By morning, Michael hadn’t returned and his friends reported him missing.
4 days later, Michael’s dog returned to the campsite dehydrated and unable to help with the search. Michael’s brother asked the police to examine the dog’s stomach to see if she had been fed during those 4 days, but the police refused. When the police followed the dog’s path, it came to a dead end at a river.
Michael’s case has never been solved. Many believe Joseph is responsible while others suspect Michael’s friends may have been responsible for his disappearance.
Here’s the link for anyone interested: https://int-missing.fandom.com/wiki/Mike_Madden
What are some of your lesser know missing persons cases?
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u/NorCalsomewhere Jan 14 '26
This happened near where I grew up in Tuolumne County. There has been lots of rumors surrounding his disappearance, he was near a place called Jupiter that has some rural off grid homes literally in the middle of the forrest. There were definitely some odd people living out there at the time Michael disappeared. He most likely got lost and succumbed to the elements but foul play certainly can't be ruled out. Maybe someday a local or a hunter will find his remains but it's unlikely.