Witnesses reveal details about Lafayette man last seen nearly 6 months ago

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – There are new developments in a story WISH-TV’s sister station WLFI has been following since March when a Lafayette man went missing. Witnesses are coming forward with new information about the day 47-year-old David Kallenberger was last seen.

An Indiana State Police trooper last saw Kallenberger on Interstate 65 on March 15, near Edinburgh, Indiana, when his motorcycle broke down on his way to visit his sister in Florida.

Kallenberger told the trooper help was on the way. But when the trooper returned eight hours later, only his motorcycle was found. There was no sign of Kallenberger.

Edinburgh resident Dean Sloan was one of the last people to see Kallenberger after he went missing nearly six months ago.

“That’s the last day I’ve seen him. I haven’t seen him no more,” Sloan said. “He was ringing wet of sweat.”

Sgt. Jerry Holeman said Kallenberger was near the mile-marker for several hours. Witnesses say he was seen on both sides of the interstate during that time.

“Cycle sat there for about two to three days,” Sloan said.

Neighbors say Kallenberger pushed his bike about a half-mile, then went to neighbors and asked to borrow a phone. He even left his helmet at one of the houses.

“He was wanting to call someone,” Sloan said. “He didn’t say anyone was coming.”

Detectives say Kallenberger had a history of drug use.

“He was so sweaty, and hot and weird acting,” said Sloan.

Investigators have followed up on 165 leads since the investigation started and have interviewed more than 30 people.

An Edinburgh tow truck driver who did not want to do an on-camera interview, remembers seeing a woman pick up Kallenberger in a maroon Pontiac the night he vanished.

“He said he saw my brother standing there talking to a woman in this car,” Kallenberger’s sister Kimberly Hanson said.

According to Sgt. Holeman, the car is registered under two names – Kallenberger and his wife Valerie.

“There’s just so much that points to it being my sister-in-law,” Hanson said.

Sgt. Holeman added, “Ya know, there are some suspicions that she may know a little more information then what’s she’s given.”

WLFI tried calling Valerie Kallenberger for an interview. But we received a message on the phone saying, “This person is no longer accepting phone calls.”

Police have been sweeping the area and combing fields where Kallenberger was last seen for any clues. The tow truck driver, who wants to stay anonymous, said police even put up missing flyers in the Edinburgh area.

“We’re expecting the worst – hoping for the best,” Sgt. Holeman said.

But as police continue to investigate, a broken family continues to hope for the best. For many, Kallenberger’s disappearance remains a mystery.

Hanson is now offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to her brother’s whereabouts.

Kallenberger is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 176 pounds, with a shaved head and several tattoos.