VANISHED: Henry Baltimore Jr. - A Detailed Summary

Podcast: Up and Vanished Weekly
Host: Maggie Freeling
Guest: Alvin Williams
Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction to the Case

In the episode titled "VANISHED: Henry Baltimore Jr.," hosts Maggie Freeling and Payne Lindsay explore the perplexing disappearance of Henry Lewis Baltimore Jr., a promising young student from Michigan State University (MSU). This case, spanning over five decades, remains unsolved, leaving Henry's family and community yearning for answers. Joining Maggie is Alvin Williams, a fellow podcaster from Affirmative Murder, who provides additional insights into the investigation and its shortcomings.

Background on Henry Baltimore

Henry Baltimore was more than just an average college student. Standing over six feet tall, Henry was not only a distinguished member of MSU's marching band but also one of its first two black drum majors. His unique integration of drumming with coordinated dance moves made him a standout figure on campus. Alvin Williams describes Henry as:

“A bright light. An honor student... balancing academics with his band commitments and a job... a likable guy.”
[05:46]

Henry's dedication extended beyond music; he was majoring in both psychology and music with aspirations of becoming a social worker. His family, one of eight siblings, revered him for his joyful demeanor, helpful nature, and ability to light up any room. Despite his academic and extracurricular commitments, Henry maintained a balanced social life, regularly enjoying late-night chats, music sessions, and relaxed gatherings with his roommates—George, Paul, and Tony.

The Night of the Robbery

The tranquility of Henry's life was shattered on Saturday evening, March 3, 1973. Alone in his East Lansing apartment, Henry was abruptly attacked by two men who forcibly entered his home. During the assault, Henry was pistol-whipped, leaving him dazed but recognizing one of his assailants. The robbers ransacked his apartment, taking items that included golf clubs, a leather jacket, approximately $60 in cash, and a few joints. Notably, the theft appeared petty, lacking any significant monetary gain or valuables that might suggest a deeper motive beyond the immediate act.

Alvin Williams reflects on the incident's impact:

“Sometimes trouble just finds good people. This is just a good person... he's in school, he's giving back to his community, he's in the arts. And this... he's been pistol whipped...”
[19:41]

The trauma from the robbery profoundly affected Henry. He became withdrawn, anxious, and fearful, significantly altering his previously vibrant personality.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Initially hesitant to report the crime, Henry was torn between confronting his aggressor and protecting himself from potential retaliation. It was his father who convinced him to file a police report ten days later, leading to the charge against Roy Davis for the robbery.

However, the situation quickly escalated. Roy Davis, upon facing charges, returned to Henry's apartment with the intention of coercing him into dropping the case. Alvin Williams explains:

“Roy Davis infiltrated this party atmosphere... when he saw Henry Baltimore, he thought he had more than he had.”
[16:31]

Despite feeling pressured, Henry attended a pretrial hearing where Roy attempted to intimidate him, leading Henry to reluctantly comply with the legal process. The authorities, however, showed minimal interest initially, dismissing the case as trivial and underestimating the severity of the threats against Henry.

Henry's Disappearance

On Wednesday, May 30, 1973, Henry Baltimore was reported missing under suspicious circumstances. Neighbors observed an unfamiliar green car parked near his apartment and two men aggressively knocking on his door. When Henry’s family visited his apartment, everything seemed untouched except for his absence—his belongings were in place, and his car remained in its parking spot.

Alvin Williams criticizes the police response:

“They just dismiss it, assuming he fled... lost another 24 hours, and Henry Baltimore has never been seen again.”
[30:34]

Despite compelling evidence suggesting foul play, the authorities were slow to act, initially believing Henry might have left voluntarily to avoid court proceedings.

Theories and Analysis

Alvin Williams posits that the two men seen at Henry's door were likely associates or accomplices of Roy Davis, possibly hired to silence Henry permanently. However, he expresses skepticism about the possibility of Roy hiring hitmen due to his limited resources, suggesting instead that Roy himself might have been directly involved.

“Roy Davis was from a very impoverished part of Michigan... I don’t think he respected Henry Baltimore enough to hire hitmen...”
[38:44]

He further critiques the investigation for its lack of thoroughness:

“There was no detailed statement from the neighbors, no photos of the car... just speculation.”
[32:45]

Alvin emphasizes the racial tensions of the 1970s, suggesting that systemic biases may have contributed to the insufficient investigation:

“The school was segregated... people were just written off as criminals without proper scrutiny.”
[40:00]

Current Status and Appeals

Decades after Henry's disappearance, his family continues to seek answers. In 2014, both the city of East Lansing and Michigan State University offered a combined reward of $5,000 each for information leading to Henry's whereabouts or the prosecution of his abductor.

Henry's aunt, representing the family, made an impassioned plea:

“We forgive you for what you've done. And we want to have closure within our family... Please, please do my family a favor.”
[46:18]

Despite persistent efforts, Henry remains missing, and the case remains cold, with no concrete leads emerging over the years.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Henry Baltimore Jr. is a tragic tale of a young man's life cut short under mysterious and violent circumstances. Despite appearing to have a straightforward case with identifiable suspects and motives, systemic failures in the investigation, compounded by the social dynamics of the time, have left the truth elusive. Henry’s legacy as a trailblazing student and beloved community member continues to inspire ongoing efforts to uncover the truth and bring closure to his grieving family.

Notable Quotes

• Alvin Williams on Henry’s Potential and Loss:
  “This is just a good person... he's in school, he's giving back to his community, he's in the arts. And this... he's been pistol whipped...”
  [19:41]

• Henry on the Case’s Solvability:
  “It feels like this is a slam dunk case if there was any money invested in investigating it.”
  [09:40]

• Family’s Appeal for Justice:
  “We forgive you for what you've done. And we want to have closure within our family... Please, please do my family a favor.”
  [46:18]

Final Thoughts

Henry Baltimore Jr.'s case underscores the profound impact of unresolved disappearances on families and communities. It highlights the necessity for diligent and unbiased investigative practices, especially in cases involving potential witness intimidation and racial complexities. As Up and Vanished Weekly brings attention to this cold case, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for justice and the human stories behind every missing person case.