12/30/11: Ian Burnet, 22, New York City, NY

Ian Burnet
Missing since 12/30/11
from New York, NY

Ian Burnet is still missing.

Ian Burnet, 22, was last seen on December 30, 2011 at the apartment of two female friends on 139th Street and Riverside Drive in New York City. Ian, who was described as very independent, planned at spend a week in the city ringing in the new year.

Ian was a student at Virginia Commonwealth University where one of the women went to school, but he was not romantically involved with either of the women, said his father, Mark Burnet. He boarded a bus bound for New York from his home in Richmond, Virginia on December 26 and his parents last heard from him on December 28 by text.

At about 4 p.m. on December 30, Ian texted one of the roommates to say he'd be stepping out for the evening. It is unknown where he was going, but the roommate did not think anything seemed out of the ordinary.Ian took his driver's license, MetroCard and credit cards with him, but left his iPhone behind at the apartment. Mark Burnet has said this was not unusual, as his son only used the phone occasionally for texting and "didn't carry it with him at all times"(1).

No one has seen or heard from Ian since that text and there has been no activity on his credit cards.

Authorities do not believe foul play was involved.

About Ian Burnet

Ian is an engineering student on full scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University with a 4.4 GPA and is well known for his wit, warmth and intelligence. He is taking classes in electrical and computer engineering, math and physics.

Prior to college, Ian was the valedictorian of his high school class at New Kent County High School in 2008. He also became an Eagle Scout in 2007. He had been living on his own for several years by the time of his disappearance.

He has no history of problems with drugs or alcohol, however according to The Charley Project, he has a history of depression and has attempted suicide once in the past. His loved ones fear for his safety. His brother believes he could have taken his own life.


The Search for Ian Burnet

Ian’s disappearance has sparked an outpouring of support that has resulted in a Facebook page nearing 1,400 members after only two days. Hundreds of volunteers have posted fliers across New York City and New County, Va. Ian comes from a warm and loving home; his parents' only wish is to know that he is safe and they are praying for his return.

Ian is a white male, 5’8”, 131 lbs., with green eyes and curly dark brown hair.

If you make contact with him or have any information about his whereabouts please contact the
New York Police Department, 30th Precinct (451 W 151st St.) 212-690-8842. Ask for Det. Sanchez, Det. Davis, or Sgt. Greene.


Case Details

Name/age: Ian Hunter Burnet, 22
Residence: Richmond, Va.
College: Virginia Commonwealth University
Last Seen: 12/30/11
Physical Description: 5'8", 131 lbs., green eyes, curly dark brown hair
Investigating Agency:  New York Police, 212-690-8842


Sources

(1) Velez-Mitchell, Jane. (2011, January 10.) Interview with Mark Burnet. Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. Retrieved July 10, 2012 from http://www.findianburnet.com/

(2) Bryn, Alix. (2012, January 10). Candlelight vigil held Tuesday for Ian Burnet, 22, still missing. WTVR.com. Retrieved July 10, 2012 from http://wtvr.com/2012/01/10/candlelight-vigil-tuesday-for-ian-burnet-22-still-missing/