Larry Don Carter Jr., 53, was last seen July 31, 2020, in Lodi, California, leaving his mother’s home and driving a white 1998 Dodge conversion van west on Highway 12, west of Interstate 5. His dog was later found wandering in the area and returned to the family by a friend who then learned Larry hadn’t come home. The next day the van was found abandoned and burned along North Guard Road near a homeless encampment where Carter often visited friends.

Carter had experienced homelessness for years before winning the lottery and moving into a motor home while living with his mother, but he stayed connected to the local homeless community and helped with rides and money. In the days before he vanished he reportedly had a disagreement with a couple from that encampment; the couple disappeared soon after he went missing and one of them was later found with some of his personal belongings. Carter has not used his phone or accessed any financial accounts since his disappearance, and his family says he would not have left without contact.

Anyone who knew Larry, saw his van on July 31, 2020, or has information about the couple connected to this case is asked to come forward.