Police Hope 'Renewed Appeal' Helps Solve 1998 Missing Person Case In Palatine

PALATINE, IL — Police believe the community can help "reignite" an investigation into a 1998 missing person case involving a local resident. Anthony "Tony" Klama, of Palatine, was reported missing on Nov. 6, 1998, after he failed to show up for work. His case remains unsolved 27 years later.

"[The public's] assistance could be vital in unraveling the mystery surrounding Klama's disappearance and providing much-needed answers to his loved ones," the Palatine Police Department said in a Thursday news release.

The last confirmed sighting of Klama, who was 36 at the time of his disappearance, was on the night of Nov. 5, 1998. Police said that at around 11:30 p.m., he was seen near the intersection of North Hicks Road and Rand Road in Palatine, near the Fox Fire Apartments in the 1900 block of North Hicks Road.

Witnesses reported seeing Klama near a vehicle with an unknown male, described as either white or Hispanic. He has not been seen or heard from since that night, leaving his family and the community searching for answers.

Police describe Klama as 6-foot-1 and weighing around 160 pounds, with distinguishing features including brown hair, green eyes and a mustache, at the time of his disappearance. He also had Native American-themed themed tattoos on both arms and his chest. On the night he was last seen, Klama was wearing dark jeans, a blue and white flannel shirt, and a baseball cap.

Palatine police said as part of the case's "renewed appeal," investigators are looking further into a tip provided by two Good Samaritans, who mailed an anonymous letter to Crime Stoppers in January 2014. Police are urging them to come forward and contact the department.

The public is also encouraged to call the department with any information at 847-359-9000.