Samuel Todd, a 24-year-old Yale Divinity School student, vanished in Manhattan in the early hours of January 1, 1984, after attending New Year’s Eve parties. He was last seen leaving a gathering at the Puck Building in Soho around 1:30 a.m., having left his wallet, coat, and identification behind, and was observed walking near Mulberry and Houston Streets. He never returned and searches by family and friends turned up no trace.

In the weeks after his disappearance several witnesses reported seeing someone matching Todd’s description in the Bowery, including at a men’s shelter where the person appeared disoriented and hungry. Investigators considered the possibility of amnesia from a head injury, and some noted Samuel had been under academic and financial strain, though family and friends said he seemed stable and happy and did not believe he would leave voluntarily. Various theories have been raised, including assault or memory loss, but no definitive lead has explained his vanishing.

Did anyone who lived, worked, or spent time in Soho or the Bowery that night see Samuel or recall a man matching his description?