Stanberry's family resides in John Day, Oregon. On his eighteenth birthday on August 26, 1979, he told his loved ones he wanted to see the world. He began traveling around the country, calling home at least once a month to assure his family he was safe.

Stanberry's family last heard from him in May or June 1980, when he called them from San Francisco, California. He stated he was staying at the International Hotel with some other young men, and that he had lost his job and was short of money. Stanberry asked his mother for some money, but she refused to send him any. That same day, he called his grandmother and told her he loved her. His grandmother stated nothing seemed to be amiss during the conversation.

Stanberry never contacted his loved ones again. After several weeks, they got in touch with the hotel and discovered he had left abruptly, leaving his possessions behind and owing rent. His family stated this was uncharacteristic of Stanberry's behavior. They believe he is deceased, but the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are unclear. Oregon police are investigating.