Marc Allen, 1986

Twenty-four years ago today — the day before Easter — Marc James-Warren Allen became the third Des Moines, Iowa paperboy to vanish without a trace.

Johnny Gosch, 12, of West Des Moines disappeared September 5, 1982. Thirteen-year-old Eugene Martin vanished from Des Moines’ south side just two years later on August 12, 1984, under very similar circumstances.

Despite the similarities in the three boys’ cases, Des Moines police say there is no definitive evidence connecting Marc Allen’s case to that of Johnny Gosch or Eugene Martin.

Marc Allen age progressed, as he may look today.

If you have any information concerning Marc’s disappearance or whereabouts — or any information about Johnny Gosch or Eugene Martin — please contact the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4811, the Iowa DCI Missing Person Information Clearing House, or the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

You may also send information directly to Iowa Cold Cases via our Contact form or Anonymous Tip Form.