Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP55140) and 2 other sources
Rudy Morales Vargas, a 13-year-old male, went missing on December 17, 2016, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was last seen with his older brother, Heber Morales Vargas, who was 16 at the time. The two brothers were believed to have left for Port St. Lucie, potentially seeking work in the fields, a common activity in the region. Despite initial suspicions about their intentions, no concrete leads have emerged since their disappearance.

At the time of his disappearance, Rudy was described as having black hair, brown eyes, standing 5'8", and weighing approximately 110 pounds. Authorities have suggested that the brothers may still be together, though their whereabouts remain unknown. Efforts to locate the siblings have so far been unsuccessful, and their family continues to seek answers. Law enforcement and missing person organizations have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Rudy's case remains open, with age-progressed photos released to aid in the search. The brothers’ disappearance highlights the challenges often faced by families of missing persons, especially in cases involving minors. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is continuing to investigate, and tips from the public are crucial to uncovering what happened.

Last Seen: Dec 17, 2016

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

78%Possible
John Doe — Miami Gardens, Florida - unidentified case UP93483
John Doe — Miami Gardens, Florida
UP93483 • Found Jul 5, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 83%Est. 20–40 vs 13 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%14 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 68%5'11" vs 5'8"
Weight 95%124 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
Sex ✓Male
Age 55%Est. 18–32 vs 13 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 89%51 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 months after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
Weight 59%142 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Florida - unidentified case UP102755
John Doe — Florida
UP102755 • Found Jan 7, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–32 vs 13 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 68%136 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
Weight 100%93–104 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Black

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.