A developmentally disabled man who vanished from a Fulton supported-living facility Monday morning is still missing, authorities said late Wednesday.
"We've searched the area twice now, and we're widening the search area to include a nearby wooded area," Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers said. "We had a sniffer dog out there Monday, and he didn't pick up anything."
Members of the Fulton police and fire departments, along with the Callaway County Sheriff's Office, are participating in the search for Carl DeBrodie, with volunteer efforts planned for the weekend.
DeBrodie, 31, was reported missing Monday from an individualized supported living home on Claymine Drive. The home was then managed by Second Chance Homes of Fulton.
That same day, management of the group home transferred to Finck Supported Living Services. Second Chance Homes has not responded to emails or phone calls requesting comment.
"When we arrived, Carl Lee DeBrodie was not present or transitioned to our care," said Jonathan Finck, owner of Finck Supported Living Services.
Finck mentioned despite this fact, his staff has received harassment from angry callers.
According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the other occupants of the home have been moved to another location.
"Our biggest concern is protecting them from disruption," added Finck, who said he has worked with developmentally disabled individuals since the 1980s. "Individuals with developmental disabilities can be fragile."
Finck explained homes like the one DeBrodie lived at are ultimately under the charge of the state, which selects service providers.
"We, as the provider, are there to serve and support those individuals," he said.
Assistants at the home help with transportation, cooking and cleaning, and other support. At the local level, Callaway County Special Services provides case management for residents.
"I've never in my professional life heard of an individual just not existing when a new company took over," Finck said. "My heart goes out to the family and everyone involved in this."
He said typically, ISL homes have a "rigorous supervision process" with residents. The building at the address he provided has security cameras pointed at the doors.
According to Myers, DeBrodie is legally blind and has medications he needs to take. He only speaks a few words, including his name, "yes" and "no."
He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a leather jacket, an orange-and-white polo shirt and white sneakers. He is 5 feet 3 inches and weighs about 160 pounds. Myers also mentioned he is drawn towards water.
Volunteer search parties will be looking for Myers through the weekend. Contact Kimmy Bodle at 573-953-2080 to get involved. Anyone with information about DeBrodie's whereabouts should call the Fulton Police Department at 573-592-3100.
