SheWhoMustNotBeNamed
Former Member
Michael Larry Madden
Endangered Missing
Missing From: Sonora, California
Missing Since: August 10, 1996
Age: 20 -- Height: 6'1" -- Weight: 195 lbs -- Hair Color: Brown -- Eye Color: Hazel
Michael's nickname is Mike. He has a 3-inch surgical scar on the left side of his collarbone.
Michael planned to meet friends at Sand Bar Flat near Sonora, California on August 10, 1996 for camping and fishing. He left his family's residence at approximately 5:00 am with his dog and camping/fishing gear. He has never been heard from again.
Michael's friends arrived at the sand bar area at approximately 2:00 am on August 12. There was no sign of Michael or the dog, but his gear was found near a freshly made fire. A man identified as Joseph Tine appeared at the location soon afterward. He was carrying a .45 automatic pistol and asked the friends if they were looking for "Mikey". Tine repeatedly cocked his pistol during the next 6 hours as they waited for Michael. He appeared to be wearing Michael's boots, but this has not been confirmed.
Michael was reported missing soon after his friends failed to find him. An extensive search produced no clues as to his whereabouts. His dog returned to the campsite 4 days later. She was dehydrated, but could not lead searchers to Michael.
Tine was given a polygraph 9 months after Michael vanished. The results are not known. He has never been charged, and his gun did not have any spent shells. Investigators do believe that Michael met with foul play, possibly at the hands of an unknown serial killer or even Cary Stayner, who was convicted of murder in the Yosemite area in the 1990s. There is no proof of anyone's involvement in Michael's disappearance, and he remains missing.
Doe Network
NamUs
Charley Project
