On 10/09/2002, Jerrold "Jerry" Strege's father went to his apartment because Jerry had not been answering his phone. Jerry's father found a light on in the bedroom, Jerry's cell phone next to the bed, and the television on turned to the golf channel. Jerry's wallet was there as well and his motorcycle was at the apartment. Jerry's father stated that he had last seen Jerry physically on 09/23/2002. Jerry was a prison guard and had been held hostage in a prison riot a few years prior to his disappearance.

Jerry was an avid, highly skilled amateur golfer and had been planning to compete in a golf tournament the weekend of October 5-6, 2002.