William Clayton Miller, 59, was last heard from via text message with his estranged wife on March 2, 2026, in Valley Center, California. Concern grew when he did not reconnect, and on March 18 the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit opened a formal investigation into his disappearance.

Miller’s vehicle was later found abandoned in the parking lot of the Blue-Sky Ecological Preserve in Poway, a considerable distance from Valley Center. Investigators say the car’s location suggests he may have intended to visit the preserve, but his reasons for being there and his movements after March 2 remain unknown. He is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, about 210 pounds, with graying hair, brown eyes, a pitbull tattoo on his shoulder, and often wearing New Balance sneakers.

Anyone who saw William after March 2 or who has information about why his car was left at the preserve is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office.