Missing Since: 1996-04-25 Location: None, New York
Dawson spent the night at a friend’s home on Route 10 in Sterling, New York on April 25, 1996. He was last seen at 11:30 p.m. When his friend woke up the following morning, he was gone. His bed didn’t appear to have been slept in. He has never been heard from again and all of his belongings were left behind. Authorities believe Dawson initially left his home to find alcohol, but it is unknown what happened to him after that. There was an unconfirmed sighting of him on the Nichols Road Bridge near Martville, New York at 7:30 a.m. on April 26. He was also reportedly seen on a bridge in Oswego, New York, twenty miles from Sterling. At the time of his disappearance, Dawson led a semi-transient lifestyle without a permanent address or a vehicle. He had separated from his wife and two children about a year before. He worked odd jobs in the Martville, New York area and was well-known locally, and he kept in close touch with his family. He had been known to walk relatively long distances. Investigators believe Dawson is probably deceased, but it is unclear whether foul play was involved in his disappearance, and there was no indication that he was suicidal. His case remains unsolved. Investigating Agency Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department 315-253-1610 Source Information News 10 Now The Citizen The Syracuse Post-Standard The Doe Network NamUs Updated 5 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated November 20, 2011; middle initial and two pictures added, details of disappearance updated.