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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 (MP25679) and 2 other sources
In the autumn of 1993, a profound and lasting mystery began to unfold in Portland, Oregon, with the disappearance of 31-year-old Stephen Lee Yarbrough. On November 18th of that year, Stephen, a man with brown hair and blue eyes, was last seen in the bustling city he called home. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing around 145 pounds, his sudden absence left a void in the lives of those who knew him. The circumstances surrounding his last known moments are scarce, painting a vague and unsettling picture for his family and the investigators tasked with finding him. The initial report of his disappearance wasn't filed until February 27, 1994, several months after he was last seen, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging investigation.

The investigation into Stephen's disappearance, handled by the Portland Police Bureau, has been a long and arduous journey with few definitive answers. One of the few potential leads in the case is the possibility that he may have been in Clackamas County around the time he went missing. This detail, though seemingly minor, offers a potential geographic area of interest outside of Portland, but without further information, it remains a fragment in a much larger puzzle. The passage of time has only deepened the mystery, transforming his case into a cold one, yet the search for answers continues.

Decades have passed since Stephen Yarbrough was last seen, and his case remains an open wound for his loved ones and the community. The lack of significant developments over the years has been a source of immense pain and frustration. Despite the tireless efforts of law enforcement, the specific details of what happened to Stephen on that November day in 1993 are still unknown. His case serves as a somber reminder of the many individuals who vanish without a trace, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and the enduring hope that one day, the truth will come to light. The overview of this case is one of profound uncertainty, a narrative defined by the absence of closure and the persistent question of what became of Stephen Lee Yarbrough.

Last Seen: Nov 18, 1993

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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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.

83%Moderate
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9987
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9987 • Found Jun 6, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 84%6'1" vs 5'11"
Weight 99%160 lb vs 145 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
82%Moderate
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9988
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9988 • Found Jan 15, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 88%Est. 21–30 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Oregon City, Oregon - unidentified case UP8058
John Doe — Oregon City, Oregon
UP8058 • Found Apr 20, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%13 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
76%Possible
John Doe — Oregon - unidentified case UP9519
John Doe — Oregon
UP9519 • Found Nov 8, 1993
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 88%Est. 16–30 vs 31
Race 100%White
Location 89%50 mi away, same state
TimingFound same day as last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'11"
76%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP146064 • Found May 28, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–45 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%13 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 75%5'5"–6'2" vs 5'11"
75%Possible
John Doe — Oregon - unidentified case UP10109
John Doe — Oregon
UP10109 • Found Apr 2, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 88%Est. 20–30 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 87%57 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'11"
Weight 53%190 lb vs 145 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP11909
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP11909 • Found Jul 10, 1995
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 81%Est. 35–50 vs 31 when missing
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'11"
Weight 86%170 lb vs 145 lb
Hair 60%Black 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.

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