Former child actor missing for 6 months

Every morning, Kathy Pichler of Bremerton faces the fact that her fourth child, Joe, has disappeared.

"This isn't a way to live," she said. "We have no life. It's like riding a roller coaster that you have no control over."

Joe Pichler, 19, is a former child actor who appeared in several movies, including "The Fan" in 1996 and "Varsity Blues" in 1999, as well as the third and fourth installments of the series of "Beethoven" films. In 2002, he played a leading role in the film "Children on Their Birthdays." Pichler also made a TV appearance in the series "Touched by an Angel."

Pichler disappeared six months ago. His abandoned car was found near the Warren Avenue Bridge in Bremerton, a few miles from his unlocked apartment. There has been no trace of him since.

Pichler was last heard from early in the morning of Jan. 5 when he was hanging out with friends, according to Bremerton police Detective Robbie Davis.

On Jan. 9, Pichler's family went to his apartment and found no sign of him, his mother said. A few hours later, his family found Pichler's car abandoned.

Pichler, his wallet and his car keys were missing.

Davis said that among the papers found in Pichler's car was a letter from Pichler saying goodbye to his family.

Kathy Pichler said police told the family that one of the letters was a suicide note. But she says the papers are really a collection of poems and songs by Pichler.

"Joe and AJ [Pichler's younger brother] always wrote poetry and songs together," she said.

Although Joe Pichler had his own apartment, he was a frequent visitor to his family's home, said his sister, Samantha Pichler, 20.

"He was here for family dinners," she said.

She doesn't believe her brother committed suicide and doesn't put stock in the rumor that he may have gone to California to pursue his acting career.

That being said, the family was helping Pichler prepare for a return to California and was very supportive of his acting career, his sister said.

His family describes Pichler as happy and showing no signs of depression.

"Joe is the kindest, most caring and selfless person you could ever know," his mother said.

Everyday, she holds on to the faint hope that her son is, perhaps, a victim of amnesia and not the victim of a crime.

"It's the only way I can go on," she said.

Nonetheless, she says, "My heart tells me that it was foul play."

But Davis said there is no evidence indicating that Pichler met with foul play. No blood was found, no witnesses were reported, and no information has surfaced to lead detectives to believe that Pichler was forcibly removed from his home or vehicle.

Daniel Smalley, 18, of Bremerton, grew up with Pichler and says he thinks about his friend every day.

Smalley described Pichler as a caring friend with a "good head on his shoulders."

Smalley last saw Pichler Dec. 31, when Pichler dropped him off at his home after a night of partying.

Pichler never talked about being suicidal or having family problems, Smalley said.

Smalley doesn't believe Pichler is dead and says he may have "had to get away or start over."

The case remains open, Detective Davis said. "Each lead is being followed."

A recent candlelight vigil for Pichler was attended by more than 100 people, his mother said.

The family continues to put up fliers in the hope that someone will come forward with information.

"We talk about him every day. Every day we're looking for him, contacting people from Crime Stoppers," said his sister.

"My biggest fear is that he's not OK. I pray about him every day."

Yamiche Léone Alcindor: 425-745-7812 or yalcindor@seattletimes.com