Joseph Clopton, a 47-year-old African American man from Chicago, was found dead in a pond in La Porte, Indiana, on December 16, 2019. His family had reported him missing that day after he was last seen in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Clopton did not drive; his truck, which others used to transport him, was also reported missing.

His body was discovered in the 4300 South block of C.R. 800 East near Fish Lake, just outside a bait shop. The La Porte County coroner identified him and ruled the death a homicide.

Family members, including his wife Rhonda Washington and daughter Sade, describe him as a loving father and have been distributing flyers and holding community events to seek information. The circumstances and motive remain unclear. If anyone has information about Joseph Clopton’s movements on or after December 16, 2019, please come forward.