Chase Allen Lackey was 25 years old when he disappeared on July 2, 2017, along with his dog, Champ, a Maltese. More than eight years later, his case remains open.
Chase was last known to be living at an apartment complex near 6200 East Sam Houston Parkway in northeast Houston. According to family and law enforcement, Chase left his apartment that day to walk his dog and was never seen again.
What immediately raised concern was what Chase left behind. His wallet, cell phone, driver’s license, passport, debit card, Social Security card, truck, and keys were all found inside his apartment. There were no signs of forced entry, and nothing appeared disturbed.
Chase’s father, Craig Lackey, last saw his son on June 30, 2017, when Craig attended his son’s recreational softball game in Crosby, Texas. After several days without hearing from him — which was highly unusual — family members went to his apartment and realized something was wrong.
Chase’s mother, Debbie Diaz, described him as adventurous and a thrill-seeker who was planning a future trip to California. He had no wife or children and was known for his sense of humor, having once won “Most Humorous” in high school. His sisters are Heather and Stephanie, and his stepmother is Shelley Marasek Lackey.
In the days following his disappearance, there were a few unconfirmed sightings, but extensive searches of the apartment complex and surrounding areas — including nearby parks — turned up nothing. Flyers were posted, and family members searched tirelessly.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office officially classified Chase as missing on July 2, 2017. Investigators stated they could not rule out foul play, though no arrests have ever been made.
Chase is described as 5’10”, approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos, including scripture on his right arm, words across his upper chest, a tattoo on his left wrist, Asian characters on his right ribs, and Bible scriptures on his left arm. He was last reported wearing red shorts and no shirt.
Authorities have stated that Chase may have been associated with individuals involved in illegal activity prior to his disappearance, though no further details have been publicly released.
Chase’s case was featured by Dateline NBC’s “Missing in America” series in July 2024, bringing renewed national attention to his disappearance.
The case remains open:
• HCSO Case #: 17-107635
• NamUs Missing Person #: 39085
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
• Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit: 713-274-9100
• Crime Stoppers of Houston: 713-222-8474
Chase Allen Lackey has never been found. His family continues to seek answers and hopes renewed attention may finally bring them closer to the truth.
