Iowa Father Still Searching For Answers After Son’s 2013 Disappearance

Michael Workman’s son, Fredrick James Workman, disappeared at age 15 and may use the alias "Fred Shields."

Fredrick's photo is shown age-progressed to 18 years. He was last seen on August 2, 2013. Fredrick has a scar under his chin. He may use the alias last name Shields. Fredrick may go by the nickname 'Fred.'

Fredrick's photo is shown age-progressed to 18 years. He was last seen on August 2, 2013. Fredrick has a scar under his chin. He may use the alias last name Shields. Fredrick may go by the nickname 'Fred.' [via National Center for Missing & Exploited Children]

Fredrick's photo is shown age-progressed to 18 years. He was last seen on August 2, 2013. Fredrick has a scar under his chin. He may use the alias last name Shields. Fredrick may go by the nickname 'Fred.' [via National Center for Missing & Exploited Children]

By: Michelle Sigona

On August 2, 2013, Fredrick James Workman was only 15 years old when he vanished without a trace from Des Moines, Iowa. At the time of his disappearance, Fredrick was living at a youth facility, his family said.

Workman's family reported him missing and they believe it's possible Fredrick walked away on his own accord. Fredrick’s family said he was staying away from his loved ones at a local facility at the time, after getting in a little trouble.

Michael Workman, Fredrick’s father, spoke out in April 2021 to Our Quad Cities. He reflected on the time lost and how he was spending his eighth Easter holiday without his child: “I wish he would still be here today. He would be with the whole family."

Michael said when he first learned his son vanished, he immediately quit his job and hit the ground to pass out fliers and generate tips. None, at this point, have led to Fredrick.

Michael told the news outlet when he would go to visit Fredrick, “He always told me every time I would go up there, ‘Dad I’m gonna run. Dad, I’m gonna run.’ And I would always tell him ‘I love you so much. Don’t do that.'” Michael and his family remain hopeful and are desperate for answers.

Fredrick stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and at the time he vanished, he weighed 145 pounds. Fredrick has blonde hair and blue eyes. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children created this age-enhanced photo of what Fredrick may look like up to the age of 18. His birthdate is May 4, 1998.

If you know anything about this case, or if you've seen Fredrick who may use the name "Fred Shields" please contact NCMEC directly: 800-THE-LOST

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