Sherry Elizabeth Roach was 17 when she vanished after leaving Pedregal House, a group home in San Mateo, on June 8, 1976. She left that day to catch a bus to her part-time job in San Francisco but never arrived and did not make any contact afterward. A counselor at the group home reported her missing when she failed to return that evening.

Sherry had a history of running away but had always kept in touch with family, especially her brother, after previous incidents; the lack of any contact this time alarmed relatives. In 2020 investigators released a photograph showing Sherry standing beside an unidentified man described as African-American, about six feet tall and in his twenties at the time; police say they have not identified him but consider him potentially important. Authorities have also examined the possibility Sherry hitched a ride and could have become a victim of a serial killer, but no evidence has confirmed that theory.

Sherry’s mother and brother remain hopeful for answers. If anyone knew Sherry’s routines in June 1976, recognized the man in the photo, or has information about her disappearance, please come forward.