Prater was last seen in Natchez, Mississippi sometime in early January 2008. He lived in an apartment on west Stiers Lane. On January 10, his landlord called his mother to say Prater hadn't been seen at his apartment in more than a week. His mother reported him missing at this time. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary in Prater's apartment and nothing was missing, except his medicine. His family stated he has few friends and walked most places. They described him as quiet and easygoing and stated it might be easy to take advantage of him. Few details are available in his case.