A recent fire destroyed a Florida man’s home reported missing almost two years agoadding to the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
According to police, 78-year-old John Henry Mallouk was reported missing in January 2023 by a ‘concerned’ family member. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division began investigating the case because Mallouk had not been seen or heard from since August 2022.
The fire broke out Friday evening at Mallouk’s home in Okeechobee, Florida, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COACH DEAD, 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MISSING AFTER CHRISTMAS EVE TRAGEDY
According to police, 78-year-old John Henry Mallouk was reported missing in January 2023 by a ‘concerned’ family member. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
Firefighters on scene were unable to save the house or the two cars in the garage, including a red 1955 Ford Thunderbird.
Authorities say the fire has raised new questions about Mallouk’s fate as investigators search for any links to his disappearance.
“When detectives initially searched Mallouk’s home, they found no signs of struggle or… foul play,” the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
KILLER MOTHER SUSAN SMITH HEARS CALL IN PRISON SEARCHING AMID plot to profit from her crimes
The fire broke out Friday evening at John Mallouk’s home in Okeechobee, Florida, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
“The property appeared untouched, the doors were unlocked, the food was still in the refrigerator and there was a cell phone on the counter,” the statement continued.
In light of Friday’s fire, Detectives revisited the scene looking for “additional clues” that could assist in the investigation into Mallouk’s disappearance and to “investigate whether there is a connection between the fire and his case,” police said.
WOMAN DISAPPEARED AS POLICE FINDS CAR LARGE, DRIVER ARRESTED IN PUZZLING DISAPPEARANCE
The fire broke out Friday evening at John Mallouk’s home in Okeechobee, Florida. The police are investigating. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
Detectives urge anyone with information about the fire or Mallouk’s whereabouts to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Our detectives have put so much time into this,” said Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told WPBF.
“We’re just looking for closure wherever the answer takes us,” he added. “He has family who are concerned about him and his whereabouts.”
