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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 (MP40402) and 2 other sources
In the summer of 2012, a 35-year-old man named J Francisco Herrera Rivera vanished under concerning circumstances. On July 15th of that year, he was last seen in Nogales, Arizona, a city that sits on the border between the United States and Mexico. At the time of his disappearance, Herrera Rivera was reportedly attempting to cross the border from Mexico into Arizona. He is described as a Hispanic and White/Caucasian male with black hair and brown eyes, standing at approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. A scar on his chin serves as a distinguishing physical feature. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is the investigating agency in his case.

The specifics of what transpired on that July day remain largely unknown to the public. The circumstances surrounding his attempt to cross the border and what may have led to his disappearance have not been detailed in publicly available information. It is unclear if he was traveling alone or with others, or what his ultimate destination was. The lack of detailed information leaves his family and loved ones with many unanswered questions and a profound sense of uncertainty. The days, weeks, and years that have followed have not brought the closure they so desperately seek.

The investigation into J Francisco Herrera Rivera's disappearance is ongoing. His case is a somber reminder of the perils that individuals can face when attempting to cross the border. The journey can be fraught with danger, and many have lost their lives or disappeared without a trace in the harsh desert environment. For the families left behind, the emotional toll is immeasurable, as they are forced to live with the ambiguity of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. The case of J Francisco Herrera Rivera highlights a broader humanitarian issue at the border, where the hopes and dreams of many for a new life can tragically end in silence and mystery.

Last Seen: Jul 15, 2012

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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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.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Cowlic, Tohono O'Odham Nation, Arizona - unidentified case UP12076 View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–36 vs 35
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 83%70 mi away, same state
TimingFound 12 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%136 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — South Tucson, Arizona - unidentified case UP12008
John Doe — South Tucson, Arizona
UP12008 • Found May 9, 2013
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 18–35 vs 35
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 87%59 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'5"
Weight 97%133 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — NE of Ruby, Arizona - unidentified case UP105876
John Doe — NE of Ruby, Arizona
UP105876 • Found Jun 21, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 38–52 vs 35 when missing
Location 97%20 mi away, same county
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%150 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
77%Possible
John Doe — Near Big Field Village, Arizona - unidentified case UP11595
John Doe — Near Big Field Village, Arizona
UP11595 • Found May 8, 2013
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–45 vs 35
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 85%66 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'5"
Weight 85%176 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Calexico, California
UP11876 • Found Oct 27, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 35
Race 100%White
Location 47%283 mi away
TimingFound 3 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Arivaca, Arizona - unidentified case UP10663
John Doe — Arivaca, Arizona
UP10663 • Found Jul 23, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 35
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 95%29 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 days after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
76%Possible
John Doe — Winterhaven, California
UP15584 • Found May 30, 2016
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 51%237 mi away
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Weight 93%130 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Tucson, Arizona - unidentified case UP158804
John Doe — Tucson, Arizona
UP158804 • Found Dec 14, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 85%63 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'8" vs 5'5"
75%Possible
John Doe — Arizona - unidentified case UP14474
John Doe — Arizona
UP14474 • Found Oct 21, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 35 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 98%19 mi away, same county
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3" vs 5'5"
75%Possible
John Doe — vicinity of New Fields, Arizona - unidentified case UP14173
John Doe — vicinity of New Fields, Arizona
UP14173 • Found Jan 29, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–40 vs 35 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 89%49 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"

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.