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Task force asks for new tips in 1983 Newaygo Co. homicide

Posted at 2:42 PM, May 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-18 14:59:43-04

NEWAYGO, Mich. – A task force is looking for new clues in a 1983 Newaygo County homicide.

Michigan State Police say that Richard Atwood, then 25, was last seen on August 10, 1983 in White Cloud.  Atwood and his 1975 brown Pontiac Trans-Am were reported missing on August 22, 1983.  The car was found in the Grand Rapids area on October 17, 1983.

Atwood’s body has never been found, but police say that they believe he is deceased and the case is considered a homicide.

Richard Atwood's Trans-Am, 1983

Richard Atwood’s Trans-Am, 1983

The task force, which includes the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department and the Newaygo County Prosecutor, reports that they have been following up on tips in the case.  They say that they are confident that advancements in forensic science and technology will generate new leads in the case.  They also say that as time passes, witnesses often feel more comfortable coming forward.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sgt. Scott Rios at rioss@michigan.gov , the Michigan State Police at 231-873-2171 or Silent Observer at 231-652-1121.