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 (MP26320) and 7 other sources
Josephine A. Gerstner, a 76-year-old woman, was last seen in Mount Arlington, New Jersey, on September 1, 1983. At the time of her disappearance, she had recently relocated to the area with her husband and son. Descriptions of Josephine from the time indicate she was a white female, standing between 5'1' and 5'3' and weighing around 110 pounds. She had gray or partially gray hair, which may have been dyed red, and hazel eyes. Distinctive physical characteristics included freckles and a scar on her abdomen. On the day she went missing, she was reportedly wearing a green sweater, green pants, and black shoes. She was also carrying a black purse and wearing a gold wedding band.

The circumstances surrounding Josephine's disappearance remain largely unknown, as details in the public record are scarce. The case is being handled by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Despite the passage of many years, her case remains open, and she is still listed as a missing person. DNA from her daughter has been submitted and is on file, which could aid in future identification efforts.

The disappearance of Josephine Gerstner is one of several unsolved cases from that era in Morris County. The early 1980s were a particularly troubling time for the county, with a number of unsolved homicides and disappearances causing significant community concern. These cases, including Josephine's, represent enduring mysteries for law enforcement and the affected families. The overarching narrative of Josephine's case is one of sudden and unexplained absence, leaving a void of information and a family without answers for decades.

Last Seen: Sep 1, 1983

Possible Unidentified Matches (4)

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.

82%Moderate
Jane Doe — Jersey City, New Jersey
UP1495 • Found Dec 24, 1986
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 70–80 vs 76 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 94%34 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'1"–5'3"
Weight 84%90 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP7319 • Found Jan 30, 1994
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 95%Est. 60–75 vs 76 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 83%73 mi away
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'1"–5'3"
Weight 75%135 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
76%Possible
Jane Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP7465
Jane Doe — New York, New York
UP7465 • Found May 8, 1991
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 65%Est. 50–70 vs 76 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 93%36 mi away
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'1"–5'3"
Weight 84%130 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP9093
Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP9093 • Found Oct 11, 1988
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 55–75 vs 76 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 92%40 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 68%5'6" vs 5'1"–5'3"
Weight 100%115 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel

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.