Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP32026) and 17 other sources
Joseph Louis Santi, a 54-year-old prominent businessman, was last seen on January 22, 1977, in Salt Lake City, Utah, under suspicious circumstances. Santi, involved in a range of ventures including uranium mining and managing a hotel, was known for his wealth. However, he was also facing financial difficulties, deep in debt, and under investigation by the IRS. He was set to testify in a major stock fraud case the day after he disappeared, raising further suspicion around his case.

On the day before he went missing, Santi had visited a tavern with a friend to discuss purchasing $100,000 worth of coins. However, the deal never took place, and his friend warned him it might be a setup. Later that evening, Santi called to say the coin sale was back on, but he was never heard from again. When family members went to check his apartment, they found his shoes by the couch and an ashtray with a cigarette, despite Santi not being a smoker. Several personal items, including $10,000 in cash and jewelry, were missing, but his vehicles remained parked outside.

Foul play is suspected in his case, as Santi had made enemies due to his business dealings and legal troubles. Despite investigations, Santi was declared legally dead 17 months after his disappearance, but his body was never found, and the case remains unsolved.

Last Seen: Jan 22, 1977

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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 — Rural, Utah
UP9872 • Found Sep 20, 1978
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–55 vs 54 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 75%98 mi away, same state
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'7"–6'1"
Weight 100%158 lb vs 160–190 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
77%Possible
John Doe — Salt Lake City, Utah
UP9856 • Found Jun 24, 1978
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 65%Est. 30–50 vs 54 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 17 months after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'7"–6'1"

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.