Colton and his older brother, Homer, lived with Rex and Rebecca because their parents had drug problems and abused them. The boys were legally under the state’s care. Social workers tried to visit, but Rex and Rebecca kept canceling. On the day Colton disappeared, a social worker was supposed to come, and Rex and Rebecca claimed Colton ran out a window because he was scared.

Police found the Clarks’ explanation suspicious. They seemed unconcerned about Colton’s disappearance and even referred to him in the past tense. Rex said he’d taught the boys survival skills. They refused a lie detector test.

After Colton vanished, Homer was removed from the home. He later testified that he and Colton were severely abused by Rex and Rebecca—beaten with a cattle prod, extension cords, and broomsticks. Homer said Rex and Rebecca beat Colton badly in early March 2006 and Colton was seriously injured. When Homer woke up later, Colton was gone.

In 2016, Rex and Rebecca were charged with Colton’s murder, child abuse, and neglect. Homer, the only witness, testified at their trial in 2017. The jury found them guilty, and they were sentenced to life in prison. Their appeals were unsuccessful. The evidence strongly suggests Colton’s disappearance was not a simple runaway case.