Charles Southern Jr., a 39-year-old English professor at a community college in Chicago, was last heard from on December 1, 1987. He told his mother he planned a two-week trip to India and declined a visit, saying he was not feeling well. After his scheduled return date passed with no word, family checked his home and found his passport still inside with no entry stamps from India.

The apartment contained several disturbing items: his winter hat and coat folded inside-out and placed on a ceremonial stool—a gesture the family later learned is a Nigerian tribal symbol for death—two poorly written notes that appeared to be wills, and a vial of a substance described as similar to the poison curare. Charles had recently been hospitalized after being found wandering Chicago streets speaking incoherently, and he was a prominent member and teacher in the Conscious Development of Body, Mind and Soul organization founded by Terri Hoffman. Hoffman was named in the apparent wills found at his apartment; she denied involvement.

Authorities have not determined whether Charles left voluntarily, suffered another psychiatric episode, or if others were involved. Does anyone who knew Charles, his work, or his involvement with the group have information that could help clarify what happened?