Left: William circa, 1984
Right: Age Progressed to age 41
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: June 16, 1984
Missing From: Klamath Falls, Klamath County, Oregon
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date Of Birth: February 21, 1969
Age: 15 years old
Height and Weight: 5’8″ and 115 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Brown hair, Blue eyes, William has a half moon shaped scar on his forehead, he may use the nickname “Billy”
NCMEC Number: 601618
Details of Disappearance
William Gunn was last seen in Klamath Falls, Oregon on June 16th 1984. During the morning, he was learning how to drive with his stepfather, Albert Alexander Gunn Jr,.
Albert returned home without William and stated that he left William at a friends apartment and that the boy waved to him as he left. He was supposed to spend the night at the friends apartment and return home by 6:00 pm for dinner.
Although Albert claimed he dropped the boy off at the apartment, no one reported seeing him there, his friend also stated that she never saw William. He was never seen or heard from again after that day. Investigators initially believed that Gunn had run away but now believe that foul play was a factor in his disappearance.
William’s sister, Deanna Gunn, believes that Albert was involved in Gunn’s disappearance. Albert was violent man and was abusive towards her. She speculated that Albert murdered William and disposed of his body in the woods. Authorities searched for months but could not find him.
In 2014, Deanna and a cousin used equipment to dig up 6 foot trenches over 500 yards of the woods. They did not find anything in relation to Gunn’s disappearance.
Smith served a prison term for the abuse against his stepdaughter and he was again jailed for stalking his sister. He died in 2004.
Authorities have stated that they have a suspect in Williams disappearance but the person has not been publicly identified. His disappearance remains unsolved and is classified as a non family abduction.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Klamath Falls Police Department 541-884-4876
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children