What Happened to Michael Negrete? A Student Vanishes Overnight

On December 10, 1999, 21-year-old Michael Negrete, a junior at Arizona State University (ASU), vanished from his Tempe, Arizona apartment. The case remains one of the most baffling unsolved mysteries in American missing persons history.

The Last Night

Michael spent the evening studying with friends at the library. Around 9:30 PM, he returned to his apartment, shared with roommate Eric:

Normal evening routine: Michael relaxed, watching TV and browsing the internet.

Phone call: Michael received a call from his girlfriend, Samantha, around 10:30 PM.

Last known activity: Eric reported Michael playing video games around 11:30 PM.

The Disappearance

The next morning, Eric woke up to find:

Michael's belongings intact: Wallet, phone, keys, and car remained in the apartment.

No signs of struggle: No evidence of forced entry or disturbance.

Open door: The apartment door was slightly ajar.

Investigation

The Tempe Police Department (TPD) launched an investigation:

Initial search: Police canvassed the area, reviewed security footage, and interviewed witnesses.

Forensic analysis: Investigators collected DNA samples and analyzed computer activity.

Tips and leads: TPD pursued numerous tips, including reported sightings.

Theories and Suspects

Abduction: Some believe Michael was taken against his will.

Voluntary disappearance: Others speculate Michael left intentionally.

Foul play: A few suspect a crime was committed.

Unresolved Questions

What happened between 11:30 PM and morning?

Who or what prompted Michael's disappearance?

Is Michael still alive?

Legacy and Impact

Michael's disappearance has:

Inspired advocacy: His family founded the Michael Negrete Missing Persons Foundation.

Raised awareness: The case highlights the importance of missing persons investigations.

Left a community searching: Friends, family, and investigators continue seeking answers.

Documentaries and Media Coverage

"20/20" (2000): ABC's investigative series featured Michael's case.

"Dateline" (2001): NBC's true crime show explored the disappearance.

"The Vanished" (2019): A podcast episode delved into Michael's story.

Online Resources

National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): Michael's profile.

The Michael Negrete Missing Persons Foundation: Family-established organization.

Reddit's r/MichaelNegrete: Community discussion forum.

Would you like to:

Explore similar missing persons cases?

Discuss potential explanations for Michael's disappearance?

Investigate the investigation's handling?

Learn more about the impact on Michael's family?

Something else?

Investigation Timeline

December 11, 1999: Michael's roommate reports him missing.

December 12, 1999: Police begin searching the apartment complex.

December 13, 1999: Investigators review security footage.

December 14, 1999: Police interview Michael's friends and family.

Potential Leads and Tips

Sighting in Phoenix: A witness reported seeing Michael at a Phoenix convenience store.

Unidentified caller: An anonymous caller claimed Michael was in Mexico.

Online activity: Investigators discovered Michael's email account was accessed after his disappearance.

Theories and Speculation

Abduction by acquaintance: Some believe Michael was taken by someone he knew.

Voluntary disappearance: Others speculate Michael left to start anew.

Human trafficking: A few suspect Michael was a victim of human trafficking.

Impact on Family and Friends

Emotional toll: Michael's disappearance devastated his loved ones.

Advocacy efforts: His family founded the Michael Negrete Missing Persons Foundation.

Annual vigils: Friends and family gather to honor Michael's memory.

Similar Missing Persons Cases

Maura Murray: A 21-year-old nursing student disappeared in 2004.

Ashley Summers: A 14-year-old girl vanished in 2007.

Tara Calico: A 19-year-old woman disappeared in 1988.

Documentaries and Podcasts

"The Vanished" (2019): A podcast episode exploring Michael's case.

"Crime Junkie" (2020): A true crime podcast covering Michael's disappearance.

"20/20" (2000): ABC's investigative series featured Michael's case.

Online Resources

National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): Michael's profile.

The Michael Negrete Missing Persons Foundation: Family-established organization.

Reddit's r/MichaelNegrete: Community discussion forum.

Unresolved Questions

What happened to Michael after 11:30 PM?

Who or what prompted his disappearance?

Is Michael still alive?

Would you like to:

Explore more missing persons cases?

Discuss potential explanations for Michael's disappearance?

Investigate the investigation's handling?

Learn more about the impact on Michael's family?

Something else?