Michael Montijo, 55, was last seen at his Ridgeville, South Carolina, home near Camp Buddy Road on the morning of January 26, 2020. His wife left for work about 8:00 am and remembered him being in the bedroom; when she returned that evening he was gone. His car, cell phone, wallet and keys were all left behind.

A 20-year Navy veteran who served as a chief petty officer on a submarine, Montijo stood 5 feet 5 inches and weighed 165 pounds, with salt-and-pepper hair, a goatee and several distinctive tattoos including MM on his left hand and a panther on his left forearm. Family report he had been attempting to quit drinking and experienced hallucinations consistent with withdrawal, prompting concern he may have become delirious. An unconfirmed sighting placed a man believed to be Montijo at a convenience store on the night of January 27 or early January 28, after which he reportedly left with another person in a gold Buick; the vehicle owner denied knowing him.

No bank or credit activity has been detected since he disappeared. Family members have questioned aspects of the scene at the house, including bullet holes found in a man cave, and say they are frustrated with the early stages of the inquiry. Anyone who knew Michael or has information about his movements around January 26–28, 2020 is asked to come forward.