Independent Detective Case File
Robert Harris Kelly Sr.
Also known as: Bob Kelley, Bob A Kelley Jr
MissingFairbanks, Fairbanks North Star, Alaska, USA
Overview
Date last seen: May 16, 2004
Last known location: Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, Alaska
Main Points
- Robert Harris Kelly Sr., 58, and his 17-year-old son, Kristopher Sean Kelly, were last seen leaving their home together.
- Their white 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass was discovered abandoned at Bentley Mall on June 1, 2004.
- Another of Robert’s sons reported them missing after finding their home unlocked and the family dog left unattended.
- Both disappearances are considered suspicious and remain unsolved more than two decades later.
- Alaska State Troopers continue to list the case as an active missing persons investigation.
Detailed Case Breakdown
Robert Harris Kelly Sr. Disappearance (2004): Father and Son Vanished Without a Trace in Fairbanks, Alaska
Quick Summary
Associated case: Son: Kristopher Kelly
Date last seen: May 16, 2004
Last known location: Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, Alaska
Main Points
- Robert Harris Kelly Sr., 58, and his 17-year-old son, Kristopher Sean Kelly, were last seen leaving their home together.
- Their white 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass was discovered abandoned at Bentley Mall on June 1, 2004.
- Another of Robert’s sons reported them missing after finding their home unlocked and the family dog left unattended.
- Both disappearances are considered suspicious and remain unsolved more than two decades later.
- Alaska State Troopers continue to list the case as an active missing persons investigation.
Robert Harris Kelly Sr. Missing Person Case
The disappearance of Robert Harris Kelly Sr. and his teenage son Kristopher Sean Kelly remains one of Alaska’s enduring unsolved missing persons cases. The father and son vanished from Fairbanks in May 2004 under circumstances that investigators continue to classify as suspicious.
Robert Kelly Sr. was 58 years old when he disappeared. His son, Kristopher, was 17. According to investigators, the pair were last seen on May 16, 2004, leaving their residence located off Chena Pump Road in Fairbanks, Alaska. Neither man has been seen or heard from since.
Their disappearance was not immediately reported. Approximately thirteen days later, another of Robert’s sons visited the residence after becoming concerned. He discovered the house unlocked with no sign of Robert or Kristopher. The family’s dog had been left unattended inside, suggesting no one had returned home for an extended period. Authorities were then notified, and both men were officially reported missing.
Abandoned Vehicle Found
On June 1, 2004, investigators located Robert Kelly Sr.’s white 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass abandoned in the parking lot of Bentley Mall in Fairbanks.
Despite recovering the vehicle, investigators found no trace of Robert or Kristopher. Publicly released information has not identified any evidence recovered from the vehicle that explained what happened after they left home.
Criminal Case Added Another Layer
Shortly after the vehicle was found, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Robert Kelly Sr. after he failed to appear in court on a charge involving driving with a suspended license. Investigators have acknowledged the missed court appearance but have never stated that it explains the disappearance. The case has continued to be investigated as suspicious.
Investigation Remains Active
More than 20 years later, no confirmed sightings of Robert Kelly Sr. or Kristopher Kelly have been verified.
The Alaska State Troopers continue to feature both men in their Missing Persons Clearinghouse bulletins and request information from anyone who may know what happened. The official case bulletin references Case #04-40515, indicating the investigation remains open.
Publicly available records do not indicate that either individual has been located, nor have investigators announced any arrests, persons of interest, or confirmed explanation for their disappearance. The circumstances surrounding why they left home—and what occurred afterward—remain unknown.
Latest Investigation Information
As of 2026:
Authorities have not released evidence indicating whether foul play, voluntary disappearance, or another scenario ultimately explains the case.
The investigation remains active and unsolved.
Alaska State Troopers continue to request tips from the public.
Robert Kelly Sr. remains listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) under MP2936.
No public announcements have reported the recovery of either Robert or Kristopher or identified any suspects.
Social Media, News and Case Links:
Websleuths: Robert and Kristopher’s Page
Websleuths: Kristopher’s Discussion
NamUs: Robert’s Page
NamUs: Kristopher’s Page
Reddit: Disappearance of Robert and son
Uncovered: Robert’s Page
Charley Project: Kristopher’s Page
Charley Project: Robert’s Page
Crime Tea: Robert’s Page
Web Center Fairbanks: Missing Father and Son
Youtube: Robert and Kristopher’s Page
Case Trace App: Kristopher’s Page
Wiki Fandom: Kristopher’s Page
Wiki Fandom: Robert’s Page
Contact Information:
| Agency / Case | Contact / Reference |
|---|---|
| Alaska State Troopers (Fairbanks Post) | 907-451-5100 |
| Alaska State Troopers Missing Persons Clearinghouse | 907-269-5038 |
| Alaska State Troopers Case | 04-40515 |
| NamUs | MP2936 (Robert Harris Kelly Sr.) (Alaska Department of Public Safety) |
| NamUs | #MP2937 (Kristopher) |
Event Timeline Graph
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 16, 2004 | Robert Harris Kelly Sr. and his son Kristopher were last seen leaving their home on Chena Pump Road in Fairbanks, Alaska. |
| May 29, 2004 | Another of Robert’s sons discovered the home unlocked with the family dog unattended and reported both men missing. |
| June 1, 2004 | Robert’s white 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass was found abandoned at Bentley Mall in Fairbanks. |
| Early June 2004 | Robert Kelly Sr. failed to appear in court on a suspended driver’s license charge, and an arrest warrant was issued. |
| 2004–Present | Alaska State Troopers have continued investigating the disappearances as suspicious. |
| 2026 | The case remains open with no publicly announced resolution or confirmed sightings. (Alaska Department of Public Safety) |
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Map Location
Fairbanks, Alaska
On May 16, 2004
The marker represents an approximate location.
Last seen leaving his residence on May 16, 2004 with his 17 yr old son, Kristopher Kelly, MP #2937. On May 29, 2004 the victim's oldest son, Robert Kelly Jr. found the residence unlocked and his father's dog unattended. On June 1, 2004, the victim's vehicle was found parked at the Bentley Mall in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Location disclaimer: This map may identify only the general city or surrounding area. It should not be interpreted as the exact location where the homicide occurred, where a person went missing, or where any other case event took place unless an exact location has been independently confirmed and entered.
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