Michael Duane Burnett was 14 when he left his home on Clement Drive in Oroville, California, on the morning of March 17, 1971, intending to walk to Central Middle School. He never arrived. The disappearance followed an argument with his mother that day; she initially thought he might have gone to live with his father in Washington, but Michael never reached his father.

In the days before he vanished Michael had been in a fight with boys from a nearby school, though no clear link between that altercation and his disappearance has been established. Authorities consider foul play likely: Michael had no history of running away and was not reported to have major personal problems. Distinguishing marks included a surgical scar on the left side of his chest from a partial lung removal and a small scar near his right eye. He was last seen wearing a blue sweater, green pants, and brown suede shoes.

The case remains unsolved. If anyone knew Michael, saw him in Oroville that morning, or has information about the fight or his movements before he disappeared, please come forward.