Joshua “Josh” Guimond was a bright, driven 20-year-old junior at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota majoring in political science. Known for his academic ambitions—he had plans to attend law school—Josh was also active in campus organizations, debate team, and student government. By all accounts, he had a promising future ahead.

But on the night of November 9, 2002 Josh vanished without a trace. His disappearance has baffled investigators and loved ones for over two decades—and remains one of the most puzzling missing person cases in Minnesota history. Here is his story…

Timeline of Events

November 9, 2002

– Josh was attending a small gathering with friends at a nearby dorm, Metten Court, located on the Saint John’s campus.

– Around 11:30 p.m. he told his friends he was heading back to his dorm Saint Maur House just a short walk away.

– He never arrived. His car, keys, wallet, and contact lenses were all left behind in his dorm room, suggesting he never intended to leave campus.

– Alarmingly no one saw him leave and there were no witnesses to his disappearance.

November 10, 2002

– Josh was reported missing the following day.

– A massive search effort involving police, dogs, campus security, and hundreds of volunteers began almost immediately. They combed the woods, buildings, and nearby lakes.

Weeks Later

– Authorities initially focused on a theory that Josh may have accidentally fallen into one of the nearby lakes while walking back to his dorm, but no body was ever found, and repeated lake searches (even using sonar and divers) turned up nothing.

Key Details and Strange Clues

– No signs of struggle, no obvious reason to leave—his personal effects and future plans showed he had no motive to run away.

– A critical detail that puzzled investigators: his computer showed recent activity involving online chatrooms and some adult content—which later prompted discussion about potential catfishing or luring scenarios.

– Authorities didn’t immediately preserve his computer for analysis resulting in possible lost digital evidence.

– In 2022 new digital forensics revealed previously unknown online activity opening up potential new leads that someone may have lured him using an online alias or fake profile.

Theories 

1. Accident Near the Lake

The original theory was that Josh accidentally fell into a nearby lake especially given the cold and dark conditions that night. But multiple extensive searches (including cadaver dogs, sonar, and diving) produced no body, clothing, or belongings—making this theory increasingly unlikely over time.

2. Voluntary Disappearance

Some early speculation suggested he may have voluntarily left but all evidence contradicts this theory—Josh left his keys, car, and personal effects, and he had strong academic and career ambitions. Family and friends insist he would never abandon his life like that.

3. Foul Play

This remains a strong possibility. Some believe Josh may have been:

– Lured or abducted after leaving the dorm.

– Targeted due to online interactions, especially if someone catfished or trapped him.

– Possibly killed and disposed of off-campus explaining why nothing was ever found nearby.

There has also been speculation about dark elements or secrets connected to Saint John’s University including historical allegations against some faculty members and clergy. However no evidence directly links these allegations to Josh’s case.

4. Online Predator Theory

One of the more recent and credible theories centers around the idea that Josh may have met someone online under false pretenses possibly for a secret encounter. If he met someone he believed was a peer but was actually a predator, it could explain the complete lack of witnesses or evidence.

Recent Developments

– In 2022 Netflix’s series “Unsolved Mysteries” (Volume 3) featured Josh’s case in an episode titled “Body in Bags” which brought renewed attention.

– The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case and allowed new digital analysis of Josh’s old computer files revealing previously undiscovered internet chat activity.

Despite fresh attention and leads, Josh’s case remains officially unsolved with no suspects, no confirmed sightings, and no body recovered. His family has tirelessly advocated for answers, running awareness campaigns, maintaining websites, and pushing for renewed investigations.

Josh’s mother, Lisa Guimond has often said: “We can’t bring Josh home until we know what happened. And someone out there knows something.”