‘What happened to Henry?’: Michigan State University’s first Black drum major disappeared 49 years ago

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Henry Louis Baltimore Jr. disappeared 49 years in the past, simply days earlier than he was scheduled to testify in opposition to a person who robbed him at gunpoint.

Baltimore was an honor pupil at Michigan State College and one of many band’s first identified Black drum majors. He was robbed at gunpoint in his residence on March 3, 1973.

Baltimore filed a report with police 10 days after the theft and named Roy L. Davis, 22, of Flint as one in all two males who robbed him. Davis was charged with armed theft and was arrested in Flint inside a month of the theft, police stated.

Police stated Davis was out on bond and stopped by Baltimore’s residence earlier than the arraignment, presumably threatening Baltimore. Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth stated in a documentary that he believes Baltimore was scared to testify.

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“(Baltimore’s roommate Paul) Lott stated that the stolen items had been returned to Baltimore in return for a promise that Baltimore wouldn’t testify at Davis’ preliminary examination, which might then have brought on the case in opposition to Davis to be dismissed,” the State Information reported.

The State Information reported on June 20, 1973, that Baltimore didn’t seem for that preliminary examination in early Might and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He was fined $50 for failing to look. The warrant pressured him to testify.

Baltimore testified at a brand new preliminary examination on Might 24, 1973. An arraignment was set for June 1, 1973 however Baltimore disappeared earlier than he may testify. Wriggelsworth stated cellphone calls have been made to Baltimore’s residence, threatening him throughout this time.

What occurred to Henry Baltimore?

The day Baltimore was final seen, Wriggelsworth stated police consider he was house alone and his roommates have been at class. Neighbors reported coming house to the residence complicated and seeing a inexperienced automotive parked of their assigned parking spot. They stated that two males have been pounding on Baltimore’s door.

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The witnesses stated the 2 males requested them in the event that they knew the place Baltimore was. They have been of their residence for a few minutes earlier than they left — they stated the 2 males have been nonetheless knocking on Baltimore’s door and the inexperienced automotive was nonetheless there.

Wriggelsworth stated he believes Baltimore was house on the time and scared to reply the door. He stated there have been no indicators of pressured entry, so he believes Baltimore opened the door, they acquired him into their automotive, after which it’s not clear what occurred subsequent.

“The report isn’t tremendous detailed, lots to be left to interpretation, once more, no bodily proof in any respect. Each detectives that labored this case have since handed,” Wriggelsworth stated within the documentary. “A number of months later, after Henry’s been lacking this complete time Roy pleads responsible to the unique armed theft, ended up getting sentenced to 6 months within the county jail, and that most likely would of been the top consequence in any case.”

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Household tells State Information Baltimore was threatened

On June 29, 1973, the State Information reported once more on Baltimore’s disappearance. They stated his household reported that Davis had been making threats towards Baltimore, attempting to get him to not testify in opposition to him once more.

“He disappeared the day earlier than he was to testify on the pretrial examination,” The State Information reported.

A $1,000 reward was provided for info resulting in the situation of Baltimore. He’s nonetheless lacking. The report quoted East Lansing Detective James Kelly as saying, “We’re not getting leads in any respect.”

Household makes DNA obtainable

Police took DNA from Baltimore’s members of the family, making DNA obtainable within the Mixed DNA Index System (CODIS).

Wriggelsworth stated he spoke with witnesses in 2014 who stated they didn’t bear in mind the case in any respect.

“Any person is aware of what occurred to Henry,” Wrigglesworth stated within the documentary.

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Wrigglesworth believes Henry was killed and his stays are someplace between East Lansing and Flint.

He believes the 2 males who knocked on Baltimore’s door know what occurred to Baltimore.

Baltimore’s 1968 Buick was positioned on campus and all of his belongings have been in place. Which means, that he didn’t take something with him.

He was final seen carrying black and gray footwear, a black turtleneck sweater, and lightweight gray slacks.

Anybody with info ought to contact the East Lansing Police Division at 517-351-4220 or the Ingham County Sheriff’s Workplace at 517-676-8251. “What Occurred to Henry?” is a documentary that was launched on Jan. 16, 2021. You’ll be able to watch it without spending a dime by clicking right here, or you’ll be able to be taught extra by visiting this web site.

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