Left and Right: Richard circa, 1944
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 18, 1944
Missing From: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: February 9, 1935
Age: 9 years old
Height and Weight: 3’9″ and 50 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Blonde hair, Blue eyes, Richard has a scar on the edge of his hair on one temple, Richard may use the nickname “PeeWee”
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A dark blue windbreaker, long blue pants, A striped jersey, gray cotton socks with yellow band around the top
Details of Disappearance
Richard was last seen in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada on July 18th 1944. He was last seen riding his bicycle in front of his home during the morning of that day. He lived on Beta Street at the time. His older brother was inside the home at the time.
When Richards mother returned home that evening, she discovered that the bike was in the yard and Richard was nowhere to be found. Despite extensive searches, Richard was never found. Areas around his home, ponds, wells, and waterways were searched but his body was never recovered.
Richard has no problems at home or school and was a very shy child at the time of his disappearance so authorities do not believe he left on his own accord. The circumstances of his disappearance are unclear.
Richards disappearance remains unsolved and is said to be one of the oldest cases in Canadian history. His mother passed away 10 years later and his father in 1973. Three of his siblings have also passed away but his remaining family and extended relatives continue to search for him.
In 2019, Richards disappearance was reopened by a new cold case unit in Toronto.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Toronto Police Service 1-877-934-6363
Source Information