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Chris Jennings Missing Person Case

Last seen in Coeur dAlene, Idaho on Sep 7, 1980

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Victim Details

Sep 12, 2019

Jan 9, 2024

Chris

Jennings

62

16

67 inches

150 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Sep 7, 1980

Coeur dAlene

Idaho

Kootenai County

83814

No

61214

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

Couer d'Alene

Idaho

Kootenai County

83815

Jerrie Northrup

Detective

5500 North Government Way, Idaho

2084461300

County

Law Enforcement

https://www.kcsheriff.com/

94-2509

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office

na

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 3, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP59994) and 12 other sources
Chris Michael Jennings, a 16-year-old from Kootenai County, Idaho, was last seen on September 7, 1980. Chris had spent the day at the North Idaho State Fair, where he was involved in 4-H activities and showing his animals. After leaving the fair, he was expected to return home to feed his other animals and later attend a party. However, he never came back, and his family never saw him again. At the time of his disappearance, Chris was starting his junior year at Lakeland High School.

Initially, there was speculation that Chris might have run away due to tensions at home, as his parents were reportedly having arguments. However, as time passed without any contact from him, other theories emerged. Some rumors suggested that Chris may have been involved in an accident while racing cars with friends that night, with witnesses claiming to have seen a wrecked Ford Mustang with blood inside. Despite these stories, law enforcement was never able to confirm the details.

The case has remained unsolved for decades, with law enforcement and Chris's family still searching for answers. Some believe there was a tragic accident at a party and that his body may have been hidden, while others suggest he could have run away. Although several leads have been pursued, no substantial evidence has surfaced, and Chris's fate remains a mystery. Investigators continue to seek information that might bring closure to his family.
Last Seen: Sep 7, 1980

Links to Additional Sources (12)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • 16-year old boy disappears in 1980... - Idaho Cold Cases - Facebook
  • For The Missing: Pacific Northwest | Facebook - Facebook
  • Chris Michael Jennings - The Charley Project
  • Chris Jennings is missing from Coeur d'Alene
  • Chris Jennings | International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom
  • Chris Jennings - Whereabouts Still Unknown - WordPress.com
  • Q6 Cold Case Files:
  • Chris Jennings was your typical teen in the 80's. He was a ...
  • Chris Jennings is missing from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho since ...
  • The September 1980 weekend when 16-year-old Chris Jennings ...
  • The Disappearance of Chris Jennings | Cold Case Files | Episode 3

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Idaho - unidentified case UP10897
    John Doe — Idaho
    UP10897 • Found Sep 22, 1989
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 24–26 vs 16 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 79%87 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 9 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Chris Michael Jennings was 16 when he was last seen in Kootenai County, Idaho, on September 7, 1980.... ...Read More
    02/25/2023

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