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

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP50291) and 5 other sources
In the late winter of 1979, 19-year-old Stuart Carlson was working as a cook in the bustling tourist destination of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The exact date of his disappearance is not precisely known, adding to the layers of uncertainty that have shrouded this case for decades. Originally from Logan Township, a quieter community, Carlson was making a life for himself in the vibrant and rapidly changing coastal city. It was a period of significant transformation for Atlantic City, with the recent introduction of casino gambling, and the city was teeming with new energy and an influx of people drawn by the promise of opportunity and excitement.

The last time anyone is known to have seen Stuart Carlson was in February of 1979. He was a young man with brown hair and blue eyes, standing between five feet five and five feet ten inches tall, with a slender build. When he was reported missing, the initial investigation uncovered unsettling clues right where his life seemed to have abruptly paused. His vehicle was found in the parking lot of the hotel where he was employed, and along with the car, some of his personal belongings were also discovered. This discovery suggested that his disappearance was sudden and not planned, as it appeared he had not strayed far from his last known location.

Decades have passed since Stuart Carlson vanished, and his case has grown cold, leaving behind more questions than answers. The initial investigation and subsequent inquiries have failed to produce any significant leads, and the trail of evidence has long since faded. The mystery of what happened to the young cook has been a source of enduring pain and uncertainty for his family and all who knew him. Over the years, there has been speculation about his fate, including the possibility that his disappearance could be connected to unidentified remains found in the region, but no definitive links have ever been established. The case of Stuart Carlson is a somber reminder of the many unresolved missing person cases that linger in the public memory, a story of a young life interrupted and a family left without closure. The New Jersey State Police continue to hold the case file, a silent testament to a life that seemingly vanished without a trace from the heart of Atlantic City.

Last Seen: Feb 24, 1979

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.

83%Moderate
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey
UP9087 • Found Apr 26, 1987
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%1 mi away, same county
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 88%150 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey - unidentified case UP102185
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey
UP102185 • Found Jan 7, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 19–39 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%1 mi away, same county
TimingFound 44 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 88%150–180 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
79%Possible
John Doe — Camden, New Jersey - unidentified case UP15642
John Doe — Camden, New Jersey
UP15642 • Found Dec 16, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 88%53 mi away, same state
TimingFound 21 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 100%120 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - unidentified case UP56251
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP56251 • Found Jul 23, 1985
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 87%56 mi away
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8"–5'10" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 100%135–150 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
79%Possible
John Doe — Millstone Township, New Jersey
UP1449 • Found Jun 19, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 87%58 mi away, same state
TimingFound 26 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 100%132 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Ocean City, New Jersey
UP11375 • Found Mar 27, 1993
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 17–23 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 14 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"–5'10"
78%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP4883 • Found Sep 29, 2008
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 85%63 mi away
TimingFound 30 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 100%115 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey - unidentified case UP1610
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey
UP1610 • Found Aug 28, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 41–56 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%1 mi away, same county
TimingFound 28 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 62%165 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
78%Possible
John Doe — Absecon, New Jersey - unidentified case UP1767
John Doe — Absecon, New Jersey
UP1767 • Found Feb 17, 2004
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%5 mi away, same county
TimingFound 25 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 39%175 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - unidentified case UP7296
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP7296 • Found Sep 30, 1994
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 87%56 mi away
TimingFound 16 years after last seen
Height 84%6'0" vs 5'5"–5'10"
Weight 53%169 lb vs 120–130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue

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.