Missing Since: 1983-08-22 Location: Lakeland, Florida
Clifton resided in Lakeland, Florida in 1983. On the day of his disappearance, he planned to meet friends in the Lake Hollingsworth area. He had just gotten out of the hospital and was looking forward to returning to school. His parents expected him to be home by 10:00 p.m., but he never arrived and never contacted him again. When his friends were questioned, they said he’d left Lake Hollingsworth in a car driven by an unknown individual. Clifton left behind his new glasses, new school clothes, and medication, taking only a bag, a bathing suit, a change of clothing and $20. The screen was found removed from his bedroom window the day after his disappearance. His mother reported him missing on August 24. Clifton’s parents adopted him as an infant. He was hospitalized several times over the years due to his schizophrenia, and attended a class for emotionally disturbed students at Lakeland High School, but he had never run away and his parents don’t believe he ran away in 1983. Clifton’s mother is still alive and lives in the local area, and remains hopeful that he will be found. Few details are available in his case. Investigating Agency Polk County Sheriff’s Office 863-533-0344 Source Information The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children The Doe Network NamUs The Lakeland Ledger CF News 13 Updated 5 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated July 7, 2025; age-progression updated.