Lewis Run, PA – Authorities in Pennsylvania are renewing efforts to solve a 25-year-old missing persons case involving Michael Joseph Auteri, whose disappearance remains unsolved since April 2000.
A black Toyota Celica registered to Auteri was discovered abandoned near a railroad grade off High Street Extension in Lewis Run on April 25, 2000. The car had reportedly been parked for several weeks before being reported to police.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Auteri, then 40, had last been heard from on April 8, 2000. Family members who responded to the scene said a note found inside the car could be interpreted as a suicide note. Despite searches using helicopters and K-9 units, no trace of Auteri was found.
At the time of his disappearance, Auteri was reportedly wanted for questioning by the Coudersport Borough Police Department in connection with an alleged sexual assault. Interviews with family and acquaintances revealed that Auteri was familiar with the Lewis Run area and had previously attempted suicide. He was known to own a Lorcin .380 caliber handgun, which has not been recovered.
Over the past two decades, repeated searches and follow-ups have yielded no significant leads. Postal and banking activity ceased around the time of his disappearance, authorities noted.
A $5,000 reward remains in place for information that helps close the case. Anyone with tips is urged to contact PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477 or submit information online at www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107. The NamUs case file can be found at namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP42863.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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