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 (MP34516) and 3 other sources
In the spring of 2015, a 29-year-old man from New Rochelle named Michael Stafford vanished under distressing circumstances in Poughkeepsie, New York. On April 2nd, Stafford was reportedly with others along the banks of the Hudson River. At some point during the evening, it was reported that he fell into the river. He was last seen wearing a burgundy hoodie, jeans, and gray sneakers. Stafford is described as a Black male, standing between 6'2' and 6'3' tall and weighing between 170 and 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Following the report of Michael Stafford falling into the Hudson River, the Poughkeepsie Police Department initiated a search. However, the search was reportedly called off the next day. The department stated that they were not equipped with a boat for a water search. This response caused frustration for Stafford's family, who felt more could have been done in the critical early hours of his disappearance. His brother, Tony Lee, expressed his belief that if it was an accident and his brother was in the water, the primary focus should have been on recovering him.

The disappearance of Michael Stafford has left his family with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss. The initial search was brief, and the circumstances surrounding his fall into the river remain unclear. His family has been desperate for answers and a resolution to their loved one's case. The case serves as a painful reminder of the anguish that families of missing persons endure, and the critical importance of immediate and thorough search efforts in such situations.

Last Seen: Apr 2, 2015

Possible Unidentified Matches (6)

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.

79%Possible
John Doe — Manhattan, New York - unidentified case UP157697
John Doe — Manhattan, New York
UP157697 • Found Mar 31, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 84%69 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%6'1" vs 6'2"–6'3"
Weight 100%169 lb vs 170–190 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — West Babylon, New York - unidentified case UP143866
John Doe — West Babylon, New York
UP143866 • Found Feb 14, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 82%74 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11"–6'5" vs 6'2"–6'3"
Hair 100%Black vs Black
77%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP82201
John Doe — New York, New York
UP82201 • Found Jul 4, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 84%68 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 68%5'11" vs 6'2"–6'3"
Weight 93%146 lb vs 170–190 lb
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP96243
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP96243 • Found Dec 6, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–55 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 86%59 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 52%5'10" vs 6'2"–6'3"
Weight 100%172 lb vs 170–190 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP56820
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP56820 • Found Mar 21, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 53%Est. 17–25 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 87%57 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%6'1" vs 6'2"–6'3"
Weight 91%144 lb vs 170–190 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP102967 • Found Apr 17, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 93%Est. 38–52 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 67%139 mi away
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%6'1"–6'3" vs 6'2"–6'3"
Weight 81%225–235 lb vs 170–190 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black

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.