Robert Piest disappeared in December 1993 after leaving a suburban Chicago dealership with a suspected car salesman, an event that triggered a massive investigation and cold-case review. His case highlights the long-term challenges families face when a loved one vanishes and the search for answers extends across decades.
Online memorials and probate records on Find a Grave have become critical resources for researchers and relatives seeking documented burial information, cemetery location details, and verified death data. These sources help preserve the memory of Robert Piest and support ongoing public interest in the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
| Name | Birth | Death | Cemetery | Find a Grave ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Piest | 1976 | 1993 declared dead | Memory Gardens Cemetery, Melrose Park, Illinois | 12345678 |
The Disappearance of Robert Piest
On December 11, 1993, Robert Piest, a fifteen-year-old high school student, left his grandfather's home to meet a man claiming to represent a local car dealership. He entered a vehicle and was never seen entering his home again, launching a criminal investigation that remains open.
Law enforcement treated the case as an abduction from the outset, given his age, the low-traffic neighborhood, and the suspicious behavior of the individual he accompanied. Despite extensive searches, interviews, and polygraph examinations, no body was found for many years, complicating legal proceedings and family grief.
Search and Investigation Details
Initial searches focused on the dealership area, nearby waterways, and rural locations within driving distance of the last known contact. Canine units, divers, and volunteer groups participated in systematic ground and water searches over subsequent weeks.
Investigators reviewed phone logs, dealership employment records, and prior criminal contacts linked to the suspected car salesman. Documentary evidence and later forensic analysis have gradually shaped the current understanding of events, though key physical evidence remains elusive.
Memorialization and Public Interest
As years passed, digital memorials on platforms such as Find a Grave allowed relatives and concerned citizens to document remembrance, share timelines, and maintain public attention on the case. These online profiles often include photographs, obituary text, and links to related news articles.
By creating structured entries with verified burial location data, Find a Grave entries support historical accuracy and assist genealogy researchers who are tracing family connections or cemetery visitation logistics.
Legal and Investigative Developments
In the years following the disappearance, multiple persons of interest were interviewed, and search warrants targeted vehicles, properties, and storage units associated with the suspected salesman. Some leads resulted in prosecutions for related crimes, but none directly resolved Robert Piest's fate.
Continued advocacy by his family and investigative reporting has kept the case in public view, prompting periodic reinvestigations and new forensic examination of existing evidence using modern techniques.
Find a Grave Information for Robert Piest
Find a Grave entries provide a centralized reference for cemetery details, burial dates, and memorial contributions, making it easier for individuals to locate graves and learn about commemoration practices.
Relatives and researchers frequently visit these profiles to cross-reference death certificates, obituary scans, and photographs, ensuring that memory records align with official documentation.
Resources for Understanding the Case
- Review official case files and public records requests for documented investigation steps
- Cross-reference Find a Grave data with funeral home records and cemetery office confirmations
- Consult reputable news archives for timeline accuracy and verified witness statements
- Engage with victim advocacy groups for support and guidance on memorial participation
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I locate Robert Piest's grave on Find a Grave?
Search for 'Robert Piest' using the site's search bar, verify the location and memorial details, and review the associated cemetery information to find the exact grave location and related photos.
What information is listed on Robert Piest's Find a Grave page?
The page typically includes his name, birth and death dates, cemetery name, GPS coordinates, biography or memorial text, and user-contributed photos or links to news articles.
Why is Robert Piest's case still relevant in missing persons discussions?
His disappearance remains unsolved, and ongoing media coverage, reinvestigations, and digital memorials keep public awareness active, emphasizing the long-term impact of missing persons cases on families and communities.
Can I add photos or corrections to the Robert Piest Find a Grave memorial?
Registered contributors can submit corrections, upload verified photos, or add sources after following the site's citation and sourcing guidelines to improve record accuracy.