Fire at missing Florida man’s home reignites search for clues in 2022 disappearance: MCSO

Detectives in Florida have reignited their search for clues in the disappearance of John Malouk after his home burned down last week. 

Where is John Henry Mallouk?

The backstory: According to the Martin County Sherriff’s Office, John Henry Mallouk, 78, was reported missing in January 2023, but had not been seen or heard from since August 2022.

Detectives said when they initially searched Mallouk’s Okeechobee home, they found no signs of struggle or foul play. The premises appeared untouched, with doors left unlocked, food still in the refrigerator, and a cell phone abandoned on the counter, according to MCSO. 

John Mallouk was reported missing in Janauary 2023, but had not been seen or heard from since August 2022. Image is courtesy of the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

John Mallouk was reported missing in Janauary 2023, but had not been seen or heard from since August 2022. Image is courtesy of the Martin County Sheriff's Office. 

Fire destroys missing man’s home

What we know: Deputies said Mallouk’s home caught fire on Friday, raising new questions about what may have happened to him. 

What we don’t know: It is unclear what caused Mallouk’s home to burn. Also, few details are known about the circumstances surrounding Mallouk's disappearance. 

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Courtesy: Martin County Sheriff's Office. 

Fire ignites new search for clues in Mallouk's disappearance

Detectives said they revisited the home on the 12000 block of Conners Highway to search for any additional clues that could shed light on Mallouk's disappearance and to explore whether there might be a correlation between the fire and his case.

How you can help: Anyone who may have information on the fire or on Mallouk’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

The Source: This story was written with information from the Martin County Sheriff's Office. 

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