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Crime Solvers Central
298 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 (MP38574) and 2 other sources
In the community of Ellenboro, North Carolina, a sense of unease settled over the family and friends of Ezequiel Jaimes Bustos when he did not return home as expected on May 15, 2017. At the time of his disappearance, the 44-year-old man, who was also known by the alias Ruben Fernandez Salamanka, was last seen wearing Levi-style denim blue jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt. His sudden absence was out of character, and with no communication, concern quickly grew among those who knew him. The specific details surrounding the last time he was seen remain unclear, adding a layer of complexity and distress to the initial phase of the investigation into his whereabouts.

The investigation into Bustos's disappearance was handled by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. A significant piece of the initial investigation was his vehicle, a gray 2002 Nissan Maxima. Authorities were able to locate the car, which was then returned to its owner. However, the discovery of the vehicle did not yield any immediate answers as to Bustos's location or the circumstances of his disappearance. The manner and nature of his disappearance remain unknown, leaving a painful void for his loved ones and a perplexing case for law enforcement.

The case of Ezequiel Jaimes Bustos is a somber reminder of the ambiguity that can surround a missing person investigation. With no clear evidence of foul play or a voluntary departure, the path forward for investigators is fraught with challenges. The lack of resolution means that his family continues to endure the profound pain of not knowing what happened to him. The overview of this case is one of an unexpected and unexplained absence, where a man vanished from his daily life, leaving behind only questions and an ongoing search for answers.

Last Seen: May 15, 2017

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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.

75%Possible
John Doe — Charlotte, North Carolina
UP161797 • Found Jul 20, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 44 when missing
Race 60%White
Location 89%52 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'8"–6'6"
Weight 100%192 lb vs 180–250 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 0%Blue 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.