Michael Montijo
Michael Montijo, 55, disappeared from his home in Ridgeville, South Carolina on January 26, 2020. His wife returned from work that night to find his car, keys, wallet, phone, and chewing tobacco still at the house, but Michael was gone.
Deputies searched more than 50 acres using K‑9s, ATVs, UTVs, and foot teams, but no trace of him was found. A reported convenience‑store sighting a day or two later could not be confirmed, and the man linked to the vehicle described in that sighting denied knowing Michael.
Michael had been trying to stop drinking around the time he vanished, and his family says he was experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations.
April believes he may have been delirious when he left the house. His sister Belinda says he had struggled with alcohol before and had suffered seizures during past withdrawal attempts.
Investigators say there is no evidence of foul play. His bank accounts and credit reports have remained untouched for more than five years, and everyone interviewed has cooperated fully.
His family has pushed for answers, but every lead has ended in silence.
Michael is 5’5” and about 165 lbs., with salt‑and‑pepper hair and brown eyes. His tattoos include “mm” on his left knuckles, a panther on his left forearm, a rose on his left upper arm, an eagle on his right upper arm, and a Harley‑Davidson logo on his right forearm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office at 843‑549‑2211.
