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 (MP34737) and 3 other sources
Jose Alberto Ortigoza Martinez, a 25-year-old Hispanic male, was last seen on January 24, 2013, near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, California. He had crossed the border on foot at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, intending to conduct business for his employer, a wholesale spice company named Especies y Granos de Baja California. Ortigoza, described as a reliable employee and devoted family man, was expected to return home after completing his business activities. However, he has not been heard from since that day.

At the time of his disappearance, Jose was wearing a dark-colored long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and was carrying a black backpack. His family, including his wife and young son, reported no issues in his personal life that could explain his sudden disappearance, making the situation even more troubling. Additionally, his phone has not shown any activity since he went missing.

There was speculation that Ortigoza might have entered a silver and black GMC Acadia Crossover, though this has not been confirmed. Despite thorough investigations by local authorities and public pleas for information, his whereabouts remain unknown, and his case is still classified as unsolved. His family continues to hope for answers and closure.

Last Seen: Jan 24, 2013

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.

84%Moderate
John Doe — San Diego, California - unidentified case UP54015
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP54015 • Found Mar 10, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%9 mi away, same county
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–5'9" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%160–170 lb vs 170 lb
82%Moderate
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP15298 • Found Nov 4, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'6"
82%Moderate
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP12377
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP12377 • Found Jan 12, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 25
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 69%128 mi away, same state
TimingFound 12 months after last seen
Height 100%5'1"–5'5" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%157 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP14740
John Doe — Calexico, California
UP14740 • Found Jul 28, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 80%82 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%170 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — San Ysidro, California
UP113795 • Found Nov 16, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%9 mi away, same county
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'7" vs 5'6"
80%Moderate
John Doe — San Ysidro, California
UP89850 • Found Jan 29, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%9 mi away, same county
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 68%5'9" vs 5'6"
Weight 96%190 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 90%Black vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP16226 • Found Dec 2, 2016
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 69%129 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'0"–5'6" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%170–200 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Jurupa Valley, California - unidentified case UP118442
John Doe — Jurupa Valley, California
UP118442 • Found Jun 30, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 75%102 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'6" vs 5'6"
Weight 79%135 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP12867 • Found May 3, 2014
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–45 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 70%127 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'0"–5'6" vs 5'6"
Weight 85%200–250 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — San Bernardino, California - unidentified case UP159177
John Doe — San Bernardino, California
UP159177 • Found Mar 30, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 73%110 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%183 lb vs 170 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.