Missing from: Charlottesville, Virginia
Missing since: November 20, 2012
DOB: December 13, 1992
Age at disappearance: 19
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 130
Distinguishing Characteristics: Scars, Marks, Tattoos: African-American male. Sage was born male and previously identified as gay, but before her disappearance had just started identifying as a transgender woman, using the name Sage. She had long hair, usually worn in braids, and wore women’s clothing and wigs. Media accounts may use Smith’s legal name, Dashad, or her adopted name, Sage, and may refer to Smith by male or female pronouns. Her ears and eyebrow are pierced.
Details of Disappearance: Sage was last seen by an acquaintance in the 500 block of West Main St. around 6:30 pm. Sage had told a roommate that she was supposed to meet someone, who police later identified as Erik McFadden and named as a person of interest in the case, near the train station on Main Street and would be back later. Sage was never seen again. Police contacted McFadden by phone, asking for an interview. McFadden denied meeting with Sage and never showed to the interview. McFadden then also disappeared and has never been seen again. McFadden’s family says they have not heard from him, however they have not reported him missing. In December of 2016, Charlottesville Police reclassified Sage Smith’s case from a missing person to a homicide, but have released no further information. Police have not stated if McFadden has been located. Sage remains missing.
Investigative Agency: Charlottesville Police Department at 434-970-3970, Detective Wright Settle at (434) 970-3274
If you have any information on this case, please contact CUE Center for Missing Persons at (910) 343-1131 or call the CUE Center 24-hour tip line at (910) 232-1687. All information submitted to CUE Center for Missing Persons is confidential.