Adam Joseph Herrman, born Irvin Sylvester Groeninger III, was 11 when he disappeared from Towanda, Kansas, in 1999 while living with his adoptive parents, Douglas and Valerie Herrman, at Pine Ridge Mobile Home Park. Adam had been homeschooled while his younger siblings attended public school; the last confirmed sightings are placed in late spring or summer 1999, but no precise disappearance date is known and he was not reported missing until 2008.

The case came to light after Adam’s adoptive sister, Crystal Espinosa, tried to find him and discovered state records listing him as living with the Herrmans until he turned 18. The parents told investigators Adam had a history of running away and said he left in May 1999 after being disciplined. The Herrmans continued to collect about $700 a month in adoption subsidies for Adam and listed him as a dependent on financial documents years after he was last seen. Investigators have named the adoptive parents as primary suspects; other family members have described severe abuse directed at Adam. Searches of the Herrmans’ properties found no remains, and authorities say they believe Adam is likely deceased.

Does anyone who lived in or near Pine Ridge Mobile Home Park in 1999 have memories or information that could help clarify Adam’s last known movements?