Rafael Escobar Jr., 18, was last seen on November 30, 1976, at St. Michael’s Home for Children in Staten Island. A resident there since age 13 after his mother abandoned the family, he stayed on past adulthood because of deteriorating mental health and fear of leaving. He had a history of psychiatric hospitalizations and was taking lithium. He had recently been upset about possibly not being able to join the military, but had told his sister he would make her proud and visited her on weekends.

His younger brother discovered he was missing from his room, and the family was notified by a letter from the home. Police told the sister they suspected foul play, but no viable leads were developed. The institution’s environment at the time reportedly included alcohol and drug abuse and instances of physical and sexual violence; it is unclear if other residents were involved. The home closed in 1978. Rafael’s sister has kept his bank account open and maintained her phone number; nine siblings continue to seek answers.

Did anyone live at or work at St. Michael’s in 1976 who remembers Rafael or saw him after November 30?