Wash. Dad's Disappearance Raises Questions

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Nicholas Francisco's car was found five days after he disappeared. The father of three was found this week living outside Washington State.

On Feb. 18, 2008, police in Federal Way, Wash. recovered a red 1992 Toyota Paseo that belonged to 28-year-old, Nicholas Francisco.  Only five days prior, Nicholas' wife reported him missing to local authorities.  The car was spotted by a local resident who recognized it from media reports and called the police. 

Cops didn't know how Nicholas' car ended up in Federal Way -- about ten miles in the opposite direction of his home -- and noted that it had been parked at the condo complex for three days. 

When police arrived, the car was unlocked -- the keys and Nicholas' laptop computer were missing.  Cops did not find any blood or other signs of foul play, but continued a forensic examination of the car and hoped to come up with new clues.

Sheriff's officials also canvassed several neighborhoods.  King County Sheriff's Sergeant John Urquhart told AMW, "We took search dogs in there to get a scent on him and found nothing and did the same thing at his work."

Lost And Found

Cops say Nicholas, an art designer for a Seattle advertising agency, had left work on Feb. 13, 2008 and told his wife that he was stopping at a Costco before returning home. 

A colleague saw Nicholas leaving his company's parking lot.  Cops later discovered that Nicholas did not use his Costco card that night.

Nicholas had a daughter, and his wife was pregnant at the time of his disappearance. 

On Nov. 9, 2009, King County Sheriff's Office announced that Nicholas Francisco was alive and well.  Authorities say they received information that he had changed his name and was living out of state. 

Missing Wash. Dad Found Living A New Life