Dennis Shepherd, 46, disappeared on May 18, 2012, after being transferred from Stony Brook University Medical Center to Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in Brentwood, New York. At about 10:15 a.m. he jumped out of the transport vehicle and fled into adjacent woods. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, light gray or tan pants, and tan sneakers.

Shepherd was a patient who had been involuntarily committed after exhibiting severe mental distress, paranoid delusions about the FBI, and refusing medication. Court records say he had expressed suicidal ideation to doctors as a way to escape those paranoid thoughts. He is described as a white male, blond spiked hair, blue eyes, 6 feet 2 inches tall, about 190 pounds, with a small scar in the middle of his forehead. No missing vulnerable adult alert was issued at the time, and there have been no confirmed sightings since.

The family later filed a $5 million negligence lawsuit against Stony Brook Hospital alleging inadequate supervision during the transfer. The Suffolk County Police Department lists the case as an active investigation. If anyone knew Dennis, saw him that day, or has information about his whereabouts, please come forward.