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David Preston Missing Person Case

Last seen in Union City, California on May 10, 1988

Victim Details

Jun 10, 2015

Jan 12, 2024

David

Preston

68

30

75 inches

175 lbs

200 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

May 10, 1988

Union City

California

Alameda County

94587

16785

Union City Police Department

Union City

California

Alameda County

94587

Nicolas Perry

Detective

34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, California

5104711365

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.unioncity.org/197/Police

880919-020

Sep 16, 1988

Union City Police Department

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

Oct 7, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP29025) and 4 other sources
David Arthur Preston, a 30-year-old man, was last seen on May 10, 1988, in Union City, California. Preston disappeared under suspicious circumstances, and foul play is suspected in his case. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as 6'3" tall, weighing between 175 and 200 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He had distinctive tattoos, including an eagle on his right arm, as well as a vertical scar on his right knee. Despite investigations, no substantial leads have surfaced, and he has not been heard from since.

Preston’s case remains classified as endangered missing, with authorities continuing to seek information. His details have been entered into several databases, including NamUs, where efforts to resolve his case are still active.
Last Seen: May 10, 1988

Links to Additional Sources (4)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • David Arthur Preston | State of California - Department of Justice
  • 734DMCA - David Arthur Preston - Doe Network
  • David Arthur Preston - The Charley Project
  • About - David Lee Preston

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (9)

    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.

    78%Possible
    John Doe — San Francisco, California
    UP5927 • Found Oct 2, 1989
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 96%24 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 17 months after last seen
    Height 68%6'0" vs 6'3"
    Weight 100%205 lb vs 175–200 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Berkeley, California - unidentified case UP12992
    John Doe — Berkeley, California
    UP12992 • Found Nov 2, 2010
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 97%22 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 22 years after last seen
    Height 68%6'0" vs 6'3"
    Weight 53%117 lb vs 175–200 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Blond
    Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Napa, California
    UP69733 • Found Dec 14, 2007
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 89%50 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 20 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'0"–6'3" vs 6'3"
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Tiburon, California
    UP17709 • Found Feb 28, 1993
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 95%30 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Brisbane, California - unidentified case UP12987
    John Doe — Brisbane, California
    UP12987 • Found Sep 17, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 97%21 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 26 years after last seen
    Height 68%6'0" vs 6'3"
    Weight 100%175 lb vs 175–200 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Forestville, California
    UP93104 • Found Dec 31, 1994
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 35–45 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 82%76 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'11"–6'1" vs 6'3"
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Sausalito, California
    UP17718 • Found Sep 9, 1990
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 77%Est. 35–45 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 95%30 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 2 years after last seen
    Height 52%5'11" vs 6'3"
    Weight 100%160 lb vs 175–200 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    Eyes 70%Gray vs Blue
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Sausalito, California
    UP12220 • Found May 15, 2013
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 95%30 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 25 years after last seen
    Height 68%6'0" vs 6'3"
    Weight 100%180 lb vs 175–200 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Antioch, California - unidentified case UP10735
    John Doe — Antioch, California
    UP10735 • Found Oct 15, 2005
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 45–65 vs 30 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 94%31 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 17 years after last seen
    Height 84%6'1" vs 6'3"
    Weight 84%141 lb vs 175–200 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond

    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.

    Latest News

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Has anyone else come across any mentions of David Arthur Preston's tattoos in relation to his... ...Read More
    06/16/2023

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