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 (MP41006) and 6 other sources
Kay Kanaki, a 32-year-old man from Fontana, California, disappeared on April 11, 1986. Kanaki, who was of Japanese descent, was described as 5'4", 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He had two moles on his right cheek and typically wore contact lenses. At the time of his disappearance, he had a mustache. Kanaki graduated from San Bernardino Valley College in 1980 with a credential as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Despite being missing for over three decades, there are few details available regarding the circumstances of his disappearance. Kanaki was last seen in Fontana, and no confirmed sightings or clues have emerged since. In 2017, a local musician and childhood friend, Patrick Brayer, released a song titled "The Ballad of Kay Kanaki" to honor his memory and bring attention to the unresolved case. The investigation remains open, and authorities continue to search for information.

If anyone has any information regarding his disappearance, they are encouraged to contact the Fontana Police Department.

Last Seen: Apr 11, 1986

Possible Unidentified Matches (7)

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.

81%Moderate
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP3344 • Found Aug 3, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 89%49 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'4"
Weight 94%158 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — Monterey Park, California - unidentified case UP3515
John Doe — Monterey Park, California
UP3515 • Found Jun 4, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 22–32 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 92%41 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 84%5'6" vs 5'4"
Weight 97%124 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — California
UP3545 • Found Feb 23, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 21–34 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 90%46 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'4"
Hair 100%Black vs Black
78%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP58402
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP58402 • Found Jun 10, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 90%48 mi away, same state
TimingFound 33 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2"–5'6" vs 5'4"
Weight 100%134 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Palos Verdes Estates, California
UP3656 • Found Nov 16, 1994
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 69%Est. 45–55 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 87%58 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'4"
Weight 100%131 lb vs 140 lb
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Anaheim, California - unidentified case UP13966
John Doe — Anaheim, California
UP13966 • Found Jul 16, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–55 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 93%36 mi away, same state
TimingFound 28 years after last seen
Height 52%5'8" vs 5'4"
Weight 58%99 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — San Diego, California - unidentified case UP59718
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP59718 • Found Jul 6, 1991
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 34–45 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Asian
Location 78%90 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 36%4'11" vs 5'4"
Weight 89%118 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
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.