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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP21537) and 8 other sources
On March 7, 2013, a 22-year-old college student named William Gu was last seen in New York. A student at the City University of New York, Gu divided his time between his own apartment in Brooklyn and his girlfriend's residence in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Some reports indicate he was last seen by a classmate on the campus of the College of Staten Island. Other sources state he was last seen in Brooklyn and had plans to meet a friend in Staten Island that he never made it to. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being 5'11' and weighing between 145 and 160 pounds, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He also had a distinctive scar on one of his thighs from a previous motor vehicle accident.

The day he vanished, Gu had borrowed a 1998 silver Lexus belonging to his girlfriend's roommate. Later that evening, around 7:30 p.m., the vehicle was discovered abandoned in Somerset, New Jersey. The car had reportedly crashed into a signpost in front of the Somerset Diner on Easton Avenue. Inside the unoccupied vehicle, authorities found his keys and cell phone left behind. It remains unknown if William was the one operating the car when it was abandoned. Friends, concerned for his safety, put up flyers with his picture and description around Rutgers University, which was located near where the car was found.

A few years prior to his disappearance, William Gu was involved in a car accident that resulted in a traumatic head injury. This injury led to significant mental health challenges, including depression, paranoia, and minor hallucinations. While he had no history of violent behavior, there was concern that his condition might cause him to avoid anyone attempting to help him. The investigation into his disappearance is being handled by both the New York Police Department and the Perth Amboy Police Department. Despite extensive searches, authorities have been unable to locate him. The case of William Gu's disappearance is a troubling one, leaving his family and friends without answers. The narrative of his last known movements, from the college campus to the abandoned car in New Jersey, presents a perplexing series of events, compounded by the concern for his well-being due to his pre-existing medical conditions.

Last Seen: Mar 7, 2013

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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.

77%Possible
John Doe — Staten Island, New York - unidentified case UP81219
John Doe — Staten Island, New York
UP81219 • Found Jun 10, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 22 when missing
Location 100%Same area, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 85%132 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
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.