The Missing

James “Martin” Roberts

North Carolina

🔎 MISSING: James “Martin” Roberts

💔 Nearly 10 years have passed, but his family is still searching for answers.

James “Martin” Roberts
📍 Last seen: Boone, North Carolina
📅 Missing since: April 21, 2016
🎂 Age now: 30
👤 Sex: Male

James was 19 years old when he disappeared. He may go by the first name Martin and may be in need of medical attention.

🏔️ On the morning of April 21, 2016, Martin told his roommates he was going to the Appalachian State library to study. He left his off-campus apartment on Old Bristol Road carrying a small backpack.

While walking, Martin encountered his cousin, who was attending Appalachian State University. They talked before walking together to a bus stop on Rivers Street, near the George M. Holmes Convocation Center.

🚌 His cousin boarded the bus.
🚶 Martin walked away from the area.

Surveillance footage captured Martin leaving the bus stop. It is the last known sighting of him.

He never returned home.

👕 What was Martin wearing?

When he was last seen, Martin was wearing:

• 🧥 Black, short-sleeve Appalachian State windbreaker
• 🩳 Khaki shorts
• 👟 Gray New Balance sneakers
• 🧢 White golf visor
• 🎒 Backpack

🔖 Distinctive tattoos

Martin had two notable tattoos:

• ⛰️ Left forearm: Three mountains, each a different color, red, blue and black
• 🎵 Right rib cage: A tattoo featuring lyrics from Bob Marley’s “Zion Train”

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has released a new forensic age progression showing what Martin may look like at 30 years old.

The hope is that this updated image will reach someone who remembers Martin, recognizes him today, or has information that could help bring answers to his family.

❤️ Someone may know something. Even the smallest detail could matter.

If you have any information about the disappearance of James “Martin” Roberts, please contact:
📞 NCMEC: 1-800-THE-LOST
1-800-843-5678
📞 Boone Police Department:
828-268-6900

🙏

James “Martin” Roberts is still missing. His family is still looking. 💙

Sources:

https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2026/nearly-10-years-later-new-image-and-message-for-martin

https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1267493/1