James Ruland, 40, of North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was last seen October 24, 1995, while moving from Ripon to Kiel. He had recently bought a car and asked his parents in Florida to send $2,500 for expenses. Coworkers reported seeing him hitchhiking; after he failed to cash a paycheck or contact anyone, his family filed a missing person report on November 4, 1995.

On November 14, James’ white Dodge Aries station wagon was recovered at the Stretch Truck Stop in North Fond du Lac with the keys in the ignition and all his personal effects inside. Investigators noted blood on a tire and cigars in the car even though James did not smoke. James required a shunt implant after a prior severe head injury, a medical detail his family found especially worrying. A roommate, Jerome Baier, was later convicted of forgery for cashing the check James had received from his parents; no charges were filed in connection with the disappearance.

No significant leads have emerged and the case remains unsolved. Does anyone have information about James’ movements in late October 1995 or recall seeing that white Dodge Aries at the Stretch Truck Stop?