Phuong Thanh Tran, 27, was last seen in Lansing, Michigan, on December 5, 2005. Initially reported missing when he failed to return to the steady life he led in his community, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation after concern grew over his prolonged absence.

Authorities later recovered partial remains identified as Tran’s, and the case was reclassified as a homicide investigation. Only partial remains were recovered, a fact that has complicated efforts to reconstruct what happened and to identify those responsible. The investigation remains an open cold case.

Anyone who knew Phuong Tran, saw him in Lansing around early December 2005, or has information that could help investigators is urged to come forward.