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When Josh Guimond went missing in 2002, he was in the first semester of his junior year at St. John’s University in Minnesota. While Josh had been extremely ambitious for most of his life, with plans to even run for President when he came of age, this ambition only grew when he was in college. So, when Josh didn’t show up for a very important meeting for the campus’ pre-law society, his friends knew immediately that something was very wrong and reported his absence to campus security.
Investigators believe Josh was last seen earlier that morning walking the path around Stumpf Lake after he left a party around midnight. By most accounts, the early investigation into Josh’s disappearance heavily focused on the possibility that Josh somehow ended up in that lake or another nearby body of water. But as searches were conducted and new information came to light, years later, investigators would admit that they no longer believe Josh was in the water and began to consider foul play.
Over the next few years and decades, Josh’s case becomes riddled with theories as similar cases and new information emerges. Just some of the theories include Josh being in an accident, being the victim of a serial killer, having a secret life, and the possibility that his interest in the recent allegations against St. John’s Abbey led to his demise.
Anyone with information is asked to call Stearns County investigators at 320-251-4240. You can also submit tips or the Tri-County Crime Stoppers Tip line at 1-800-255-1301.
Sources:
ABC News, ABC News Network, 20 Nov. 2002, https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=125587&page=1.
Adam, Christopher, et al. “Sexual Abuse at St. John's Abbey Revealed in 15,000-Page Disclosure.” National Catholic Reporter, 22 Jan. 2016, https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/sexual-abuse-st-johns-abbey-revealed-15000-page-disclosure.
“Age-Enhanced Photo Released for Man Missing for 10 Years.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 8 May 2013, https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/age-enhanced-photo-released-for-man-missing-for-10-years/.
Associated Press. “Campus Vanishings.” Leader-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2002. Newspapers.com.
Associated Press. “Families Suspect a Link Between Missing College-Age Adults.” The Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2002. Newspapers.com.
“Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.” Learn More about DPS, Divisions, Programs, Boards and Committees, https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/Pages/default.aspx.
Dalman, Dennis. “Guimond Podcast Reveals Alleged Abduction Attempts.” The News Leaders, 5 Aug. 2022, https://thenewsleaders.com/guimond-podcast-reveals-alleged-abduction-attempts/.
“Father of Missing St. John's Student Josh Guimond Files Lawsuit against Stearns County in Search for Answers.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 17 Mar. 2021, https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/father-of-missing-st-johns-student-josh-guimond-files-lawsuit-against-stearns-county-in-search-for-answers.
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Marohn, Kirsti. “Stearns County Seeks Help in Josh Guimond Case.” MPR News, 30 Oct. 2022, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/30/20-years-after-josh-guimonds-disappearance-stearns-county-releases-new-information.
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Raguse, Lou. “Minnesota Unsolved: The STAR Student Who Vanished from Campus One Night.” kare11.Com, 10 Nov. 2022, https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-extras/minnesota-unsolved-the-star-josh-guimond-student-who-vanished-from-campus-one-night/
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Scott, Kelly. “Colorado Team's Search of Lakes Turns up Nothing.” St. Cloud Times, 14 May 2003. Newspapers.com.
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Tan, Michelle. “St. John's Graduates Remember Guimond.” St. Cloud Times, 10 May 2004. Newspapers.com.
Tan, Michelle. “Tears, Laughter, Love .” St. Cloud Times, 10 Nov. 2003. Newsappers.com.
Taurinskas, Trisha. “A Missing Mn Man's Family Was Kept in the Dark by Investigators. but They Gave Clues to 'Unsolved Mysteries'.” InForum, 10 Jan. 2023, https://www.inforum.com/news/the-vault/a-missing-mn-mans-family-was-kept-in-the-dark-by-investigators-but-they-gave-clues-to-unsolved-mysteries.
Thompson, Rocky. “Cause of Chris Jenkins' Death Is Still a Mystery.” The Minnesota Daily, 6 May 2003, https://mndaily.com/245046/uncategorized/cause-chris-jenkins-death-still-mystery/.
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Unze, David. “Guimonds Have Cash to Bring in Dive Team.” St. Cloud Times, 16 Apr. 2003. Newspapers.com.
Unze, David. “St. John's Wants Escorted Visits for Guimond's Dad.” St. Cloud Times, 17 Mar. 2004. Newspapers.com.
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Venn, Lydia. “What Happened to Josh Guimond in the Latest Case of Unsolved Mysteries?” Cosmopolitan, 25 Oct. 2022, https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a41762576/josh-guimond-unsolved-mysteries/.
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“What Happened to Josh?” Unsolved Mysteries, season 3, episode 6, 25 Oct. 2022.
Zerby, Mike. “Behind the Pine Curtain Decades of Abuse and Secrecy at St. John's Abbey.” Star Tribune, 29 Sept. 2002. Newspapers.com.