Donald Carter Missing Person Case

Donald Carter, age 77, was last seen on June 28, 2010, in Santa Monica, California. After dropping his wife off at the YMCA, Carter returned home and left her a note stating he was going hiking and would return later that day. However, he never came back, prompting his wife to report him missing. Carter, who enjoyed hiking, disappeared in the vicinity of Castaic Lake. His vehicle, a 1979 Honda Civic, was located on July 2, 2010, parked on a fire road near Lake Hughes Road in Warm Springs, California, but there was no sign of Carter himself.

Carter had previously become lost while hiking in Malibu in 2007, and his wife suspected he may have been suffering from dementia or another mental illness at the time of his disappearance. His behavior had reportedly changed in the period leading up to his disappearance, becoming more distant and sometimes verbally abusive. Despite extensive searches in the area, including a detailed exploration of the Castaic Lake region, no trace of him has been found.

Carter’s background includes a difficult childhood; he was raised in an orphanage after his father died and his mother was institutionalized for mental illness. He worked as a mechanic, machinist, and glassblower and was known for his solitary nature and passion for hiking. His case remains unsolved, with authorities continuing to seek any leads.
Last Seen: Jun 28, 2010

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