Name: David Butzin
Age: 63 years old
Last Seen: November 10, 2024
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Status: Still missing
Case Information
63 year old David Butzin was last seen in Bozeman, Montana on November 10, 2024. His vehicle was found abandoned a few weeks later at the New World Gulch/Bear Canyon area.
Background
In 1985, Butzin was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife and their 18 month old son in Minnesota.
Butzin has lived in the Bozeman area for a number of years, and is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking off trail.
Disappearance
David Butzin was last seen in Bozeman, Montana on November 10, 2024. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
He was reported missing to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office on November 25, 2024.
His family didn’t report him missing immediately since David has a history of going hiking without telling anyone, and being out of contact for extended periods of time.
Investigation
On November 26, 2024, David’s vehicle was found at the New World Gulch/Bear Canyon area, at the New Gulch Trailhead.
The area is on the eastern side of Bozeman, just south of Interstate 90 and is the starting point for hiking trails, including the Bear Canyon Trail and New World Gulch Trail.
“We believe that he has not survived; something must have happened,” Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer stated. The sheriff noted potential causes for David’s disappearance, including a fall, medical condition or accident, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Multiple searches of the area where David’s vehicle was found have been conducted, with the help of search dogs, horses, drones, and aircraft, but no further clues as to his whereabouts have been found.
A large scale search is scheduled for the weekend of June 28-29th. The public is being asked to aoid the Bear Canyon and New World Gulch areas during the search to ensure that search and rescue teams can carry out their work safely and efficiently.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of David Butzin please contact the Gallatin County Communications Non-Emergency Line at (406) 582-2100.
Resources & Further Information
Authorities Mobilize For Weekend Search of Bozeman Hiker Missing Since November – KBZK
Sheriff’s Office, Family Seek Help in Search For Bozeman Man Missing in Bear Canyon Area – Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Sheriff’s Office Requests Help in Locating Missing Person as Weather Warms – Explore Big Sky
Gallatin County Search & Rescue Set For Large Scale Search for Missing Man – NBC Montana
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