Samuel Claude Gilbert, 46, was last seen the evening of October 23, 2018, leaving his apartment on Fairstead Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina. Surveillance from the building shows him walking out and heading toward Crabtree Valley Mall. He left behind his wallet, keys, and vehicle and had only his cellphone; he was dressed in blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and a blue Adidas baseball cap.

Samuel’s ex-wife reported him missing the next morning and the Raleigh Police Department mounted searches with canine units and volunteers in wooded areas near his home and Crabtree Creek, but no trace was found. His mother, Tina Hough, described him as measured and easy-going; he was a senior operations manager in Durham, a UNC–Chapel Hill graduate, and a father of two teenage sons. He had divorced in May 2018 but was said to be in good spirits and planning to help coach baseball.

Anyone who saw Samuel around Crabtree Valley Mall on October 23, 2018, or has information about his movements that night is asked to come forward.