Mental Health Crisis: California Man Missing for a Year

MISSING PERSONS CENTER BULLETIN

Vincent Dwight Sutton, a 44-year-old resident of California City, has been missing since September 14, 2023. Family members describe Sutton, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, as a loving man but someone who struggled with his mental health. He was last seen by his sister, Crystal Sutton, walking barefoot down a dirt road after experiencing a mental health crisis.

Vincent Dwight Sutton, a 44-year-old resident of California City, has been missing since September 14, 2023Photo byMISSING PERSONS CENTER

Sutton’s disappearance has left his family devastated. On September 13, the day before his disappearance, his sisters, Delana Sutton-Wiggins and Crystal Sutton, received troubling calls from their father. They were told Vincent was "having an episode" and seemed mentally unstable. The following day, Crystal drove to her father’s home, where Vincent was staying, to check on him. She found him walking away, telling her he was going to church. Though he returned home once, he left again that evening, this time without his shoes, and became nonverbal. Crystal’s worry escalated, and she contacted the authorities.

Unfortunately, Vincent disappeared later that night. His father called Crystal in distress, telling her Vincent had walked out again and had not returned. This concerned the family deeply, as Vincent was known not to go out after dark. By the next morning, Vincent was officially reported missing.

The family has since been grappling with his absence. “It’s just a weight that’s there every day. You can’t not think about it,” said Delana Sutton-Wiggins, expressing the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family. Despite multiple efforts to locate Vincent, there have been no significant leads.

Vincent is described as a 6'2" African American man weighing approximately 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a brown plaid shirt and blue jeans. He also has distinctive tattoos, including one that reads “In loving memory” on his chest and another with the name “Delana” on his right forearm.

Described as wearing the same clothing the last time he was seen.Photo byMISSING PERSONS CENTER

The family believes Vincent may be especially vulnerable due to his mental health condition. They have expressed frustration with the initial police response, stating that authorities were slow to take action when Vincent first began showing signs of distress.

As weeks turned into months, hope has not waned, but the family is seeking more public assistance. Authorities have labeled Vincent as an endangered adult, and the California City Police Department is continuing the investigation. The family remains hopeful, leaning on the support of friends, community members, and mental health advocates who understand the challenges of caring for loved ones with mental illness.

Anyone with information about Vincent’s whereabouts is urged to contact the California City Police Department at (760) 373-8606. Sutton’s family continues to appeal to the public for assistance and awareness, as they work tirelessly to bring their beloved Vincent back home safely.

Contact Information:

Missing Since: September 14, 2023

Last Seen: California City, California

Contact: California City Police Department, Case #CR23-1042, (760) 373-8606
Ryun Guerrero, Officer

If you have any details, no matter how small, please come forward to help bring Vincent home. His family continues to pray for his safe return and for closure during this painful time.

To view his complete missing persons profile, visit the Missing Persons Center, you can also leave tips if you have information that can help locate him or provide his family answers.