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 (MP56955) and 5 other sources
Hector Christopher Cottrell, a 56-year-old man, was last seen on December 20, 2004, in Oceanside, California. Cottrell, also known by his nickname "Chris," disappeared without a trace, and very little information has emerged about his case since. He was last seen wearing layers of clothing, flip-flops, and socks. Described as a Caucasian male with brown hair and brown eyes, he stood 5'9" and weighed around 180 pounds at the time of his disappearance.

Cottrell had five siblings, but both of his parents had passed away before he went missing. There are few details available regarding the circumstances of his disappearance, and his case remains unresolved. The Oceanside Police Department is continuing to seek information that could help solve his case. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact local authorities.

The lack of leads and public attention has made it difficult to move the investigation forward, but his family and loved ones still hold out hope for answers.

Last Seen: Dec 20, 2004

Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

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.

82%Moderate
John Doe — California - unidentified case UP3094
John Doe — California
UP3094 • Found Feb 11, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 93%Est. 45–55 vs 56
Race 100%White
Location 81%78 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 weeks after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%188 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 60%Hazel vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — San Diego, California - unidentified case UP65509
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP65509 • Found Aug 1, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 70–80 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 94%34 mi away, same county
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"
Weight 68%134 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — Commerce, California - unidentified case UP13339
John Doe — Commerce, California
UP13339 • Found Jul 7, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 83%72 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'9" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%163 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — San Diego, California - unidentified case UP122559
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP122559 • Found May 13, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 60–65 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 94%34 mi away, same county
TimingFound 19 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 74%139 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 60%Hazel vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP55211
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP55211 • Found Jan 16, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–65 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 81%80 mi away, same state
TimingFound 14 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%198 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Buena Park, California - unidentified case UP12758
John Doe — Buena Park, California
UP12758 • Found Jul 1, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–65 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 86%59 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 84%5'11" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%183 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Tustin, California - unidentified case UP7692
John Doe — Tustin, California
UP7692 • Found Dec 27, 2007
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 93%Est. 40–55 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 90%46 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Weight 99%161 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — California - unidentified case UP3032
John Doe — California
UP3032 • Found Mar 24, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–55 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 81%78 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'9" vs 5'9"
Weight 90%153 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Menifee, California
UP100667 • Found Sep 9, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 58–72 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 93%36 mi away, same state
TimingFound 17 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"
Weight 88%151 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 0%Blue vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Bellflower, California
UP14872 • Found Oct 16, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 60 vs 56 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 85%64 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 39%115 lb vs 180 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

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.