Colton resided with his aunt and uncle, James "Rex" and Rebecca Clark, at the time of his disappearance; they had obtained legal custody of him after he was taken from his parents. He was last seen at Rex and Becky's Wewoka, Oklahoma home at approximately 1:00 p.m., shortly before a scheduled apartment with his psychiatrist. Colton's aunt and uncle stated they noticed he was missing when it was time to go. His backpack reportedly disappeared also; they theorized he had run away from home.

Rex and Rebecca stated Colton was mistreated by his parents, who both had substance abuse problems. He and his older brother came to live with their aunt and uncle three years prior to Colton's disappearance, and had their names changed. The boys were both homeschooled.

Although Colton's aunt and uncle stated they believed he may be being concealed by his biological parents, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are unclear. Colton's case remains unsolved.