Stephen Lee Murphy was just 19 years old when he disappeared from Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 2, 1976. He was last seen leaving after telling his uncle not to worry and that he would be okay. Then he vanished.
At the time, Stephen’s life had been marked by serious challenges and major turning points. He had served in the Marine Corps and was reportedly AWOL before his disappearance. Some reports also indicate he may have escaped custody while still wearing handcuffs. Whatever the circumstances were surrounding that day, one thing is clear: Stephen mattered, and his family deserves answers.
Tragically, no missing persons report was ever filed for Stephen until 2022, 46 years later. His daughter, while searching for him, discovered he had never been officially reported missing and took the steps to change that. Since then, she has continued fighting for answers, staying involved with investigators and DNA testing in hopes of finally learning what happened to her father.
Stephen, who also went by “Steve,” was described at the time as between 5’2” and 5’9”, weighing 120 to 190 pounds, with brown hair and either blue or brown eyes. He had a mole on his face. His last known location was Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This case may be old, but it is not forgotten. Families never stop wondering, never stop hoping, and never stop searching for the truth. Stephen’s loved ones still deserve that chance for closure.
Please share Stephen’s story. Someone may remember something, no matter how small it seems. Even after all these years, one detail could make a difference.
Last Seen: May 2, 1976
Missing From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
If you know anything about the disappearance of Stephen Lee Murphy, please come forward to the proper authorities.
Stephen Lee Murphy, known as Steve, was 19 when he disappeared from Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the spring of 1976. On May 2 he spoke with his uncle, told him not to worry and that he would be okay, then walked away and was never seen again. He was a 1975 graduate of Will Rogers High School, had married in 1975, and his wife later filed for divorce in 1980 and placed newspaper ads attempting to reach him without success.
Reports vary about his movements after high school. Family lore passed down from his mother said he joined the Marines, went AWOL and escaped custody in handcuffs; investigators confirmed he did serve in the Marine Corps and was reportedly stationed at Camp Pendleton at some point. His Social Security number shows no activity. A missing persons report was formally filed in 2022 by his daughter, and the Tulsa Police Department has his case open.
Does anyone who knew Stephen in Tulsa or at Camp Pendleton have information that could help piece together what happened after May 2, 1976?
