Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Major Crimes Division (MCD) is seeking the public’s assistance as part of an ongoing investigation involving a missing person last known to be in the Southern Humboldt area in August 2023.

With the 2-year anniversary of John’s disappearance upon us, investigators are asking anyone who may have seen or had contact with John Starr Vang, age 36, around mid-August 2023 to come forward. John is described as a Hmong male adult approximately 5’2”, 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. John was reported missing by his family and loved ones in March of 2024 and was believed to be working on a marijuana grow at a rural property in the Panther Gap area near Honeydew in the Southern Humboldt area during the time of his disappearance.

As part of this effort, the Sheriff’s Office is also attempting to identify three adult Hmong females (shown below) who were seen in the company of John at the Walmart in Eureka on August 14, 2023. The HCSO is also attempting to locate a Hispanic male known only as Mateo who used to work with John on the same farm. These individuals may have important information that could assist in the investigation.

Anyone who may have interacted with John during the summer of 2023 or who may have knowledge of individuals residing or working in the Panther Gap area of Southern Humboldt during that time is urged to contact Investigator Buihner with the HCSO Major Crimes Division at (707) 445-7251 and reference case number 202401065.