Full Breakdown
Search for Branson Oduor: Family and Friends Rally for Answers
4/11/2026, 1:08:21 PM
Timeline of Events
Branson Oduor, a 27-year-old accountant, was last seen in the early hours of April 4, 2023, after leaving The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Fells Point, Baltimore. Surveillance footage captured him around 2 a.m. stumbling on Thames Street and speaking briefly with three individuals before he disappeared. His electric bike, equipped with an Apple AirTag, was later found in the 600 block of South President Street, but the police have not confirmed its exact location. Oduor's girlfriend, Emily Costa, reported him missing after failing to contact him throughout the day on April 4.
Family and Community Response
Oduor's family and friends have mobilized to search for him, distributing flyers and canvassing the area around the Inner Harbor. His mother, Millicent Obongo, expressed the emotional toll of the situation, stating, “It’s a nightmare knowing that your son is missing and you’re doing everything you can.” Costa echoed these sentiments, criticizing the police response, saying, “It feels like we’re doing this ourselves.” The family has described Oduor as kind, responsible, and outgoing, emphasizing that his disappearance is out of character.
Official Statements & Responses
Claude Torres, the missing persons liaison for the Baltimore Police Department, stated that divers have searched the water for signs of Oduor, but detectives remain hopeful for a positive outcome. The police department has reported that over 3,000 individuals go missing annually in Baltimore, with 552 reported missing since the beginning of 2023. However, Costa has expressed frustration over the pace of the investigation, noting that the officer handling the case indicated that most missing adults return home.
Criticism & Opposition
Family members have voiced concerns regarding the urgency of the police investigation. Costa remarked, “They don’t think it’s urgent,” while Obongo highlighted the lack of active police involvement in the search. The family feels compelled to take matters into their own hands, as they believe the police have not prioritized Oduor's case adequately.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While surveillance footage shows Oduor leaving the bar around 2 a.m., there are discrepancies regarding his last known movements. Some reports indicate he was seen riding his bike in the Harbor East area around 4 a.m., while others suggest he may have been in different locations. The police have not confirmed any leads or potential foul play in the case.
Verbatim Quotes
“For him to be missing, that’s something that I was not expecting.” — Millicent Obongo, Mother
“I'm just pleading for anybody who (has) any information. If they saw him somewhere, walking or whatever happened, just to know where he is and his safety. We just want him home safe. That's our goal. If he's anywhere with somebody, somebody is holding him, please, just give us a call. We are willing to do whatever it takes to bring him home safe.” — Millicent Obongo, Mother
“It feels like we’re doing this ourselves.” — Emily Costa, Girlfriend
“I think his phone is dead, or off, or smashed or something,” — Emily Costa, Girlfriend
The search for Branson Oduor continues, with family and friends urging anyone with information to come forward. The Baltimore Police Department encourages the public to assist in locating Oduor by contacting them directly.
