Above: Vandermark, circa 1976
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: August - September 1976 from Phoenix, Arizona Classification: Endangered Missing Date of Birth: December 17, 1923 Age: 52 years old Height and Weight: 6'2, 190 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian male. Gray hair, brown eyes. Vandermark wears eyeglasses with black plastic frames, and hearing aids in both ears. He has spot-type burn scars on his right elbow and right shoulder. He may go by his middle name Jay.
Details of Disappearance
Vandermark was last seen in August or September of 1976 in the area of 24th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix, Arizona. He has never been heard from again.Prior to his disappearance, Vandermark was a supervisor of the slot machines at the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Authorities believe he was working for the Mafia, stealing coins from slot machines. The Nevada Gaming Commission uncovered the slot maching skimming in May 1976, but by then Vandermark had fled. Authorities determined $7 million had been stolen over the years; Vandermark had apparently given $4 million to the Mafia and kept $3 million for himself.
Investigators tried to get in touch with Vandermark through his son, who lived in Las Vegas. The son said his father was in Mexico and would be in contact shortly. Vandermark's son was murdered a short time later and Vandermark never got in touch with police.
Foul play is suspected in Vandermark's disappearance. It is believed to be related to his organized crime activities.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 1 time since October 12, 2004.
Last updated January 25, 2008; casefile added.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Phoenix Police Department
602-261-8042
OR
602-262-6141
The National Center for Missing Adults
The Chicago Sun-Times