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 (MP21533) and 3 other sources
In the community of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the absence of Rufino Montalvo has been felt for many years. He was 78 years old when he was last seen on a day in early December of the year 2000. Known affectionately by some as 'Little Jimmy,' Mr. Montalvo was a familiar face to those who knew him. Concern grew when he could not be located and communication ceased, prompting his case to be reported to the Perth Amboy Police Department. At the time he went missing, he was living in the 08861 area of the city. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, leaving a painful void for those who await answers. The initial investigation was handled by the Perth Amboy Police Department, who gathered the preliminary details of his last known whereabouts and description.

Rufino Montalvo is described as a man of Hispanic and White/Caucasian ethnicity, with a noticeable and distinct skin condition. He has vitiligo, which causes patches of his olive-toned skin to appear lighter on his face and body. At the time of his disappearance, he stood at approximately five feet seven inches tall and weighed around 140 pounds. He had gray or partially gray hair and brown eyes. On the day he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing a baseball cap and white sneakers. These personal details, while helpful, have not yet led to a breakthrough in understanding what happened to him. The passage of time has only deepened the mystery, as no significant leads have emerged to shed light on his whereabouts.

The case of Rufino Montalvo is a poignant reminder of the enduring pain and uncertainty that families of the missing experience. For over two decades, his loved ones and community have been without closure. The investigation, which is cataloged under case number 1041077 by the Perth Amboy Police Department, has remained open in the hopes that new information will surface. The lack of resolution in Mr. Montalvo's case underscores the silent crisis of long-term missing persons. It is a story of a life interrupted, a family left in limbo, and a community that continues to hold out hope for answers. The overview of this case is one of quiet searching and unanswered questions, a testament to a life that has not been forgotten.

Last Seen: Dec 3, 2000

Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

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.

81%Moderate
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP6009
John Doe — New York, New York
UP6009 • Found Dec 18, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 55–80 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away
TimingFound 13 months after last seen
Height 68%5'10" vs 5'7"
Weight 100%154 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP16559
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP16559 • Found Jan 7, 2017
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 70–90 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 97%21 mi away
TimingFound 16 years after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'7"
Weight 84%115 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP6010
John Doe — New York, New York
UP6010 • Found Dec 19, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 55–80 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away
TimingFound 13 months after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
78%Possible
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP17506
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP17506 • Found Feb 5, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 84%Est. 55–75 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 97%21 mi away
TimingFound 17 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'7"
Weight 40%190 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP5727
John Doe — New York, New York
UP5727 • Found Oct 23, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 55%Est. 55–70 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 97%20 mi away
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 84%5'9" vs 5'7"
Weight 100%135 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP86656
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP86656 • Found Nov 14, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 65–90 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%18 mi away
TimingFound 21 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'7"
Weight 91%120 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 0%Blue vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP75991
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP75991 • Found Nov 19, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 83%Est. 50–75 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 97%19 mi away
TimingFound 20 years after last seen
Height 84%5'9" vs 5'7"
Weight 100%143 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 70%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Ashburnham, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP15950
John Doe — Ashburnham, Massachusetts
UP15950 • Found Mar 2, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 83 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 57%191 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"
Weight 100%150 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
76%Possible
John Doe — Medford, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP16030
John Doe — Medford, Massachusetts
UP16030 • Found Oct 1, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 99%Est. 83 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 54%211 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"
Weight 94%122 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Brookline, Massachusetts
UP16032 • Found Apr 1, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 95%Est. 77 vs 78 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 54%206 mi away
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"
Weight 100%146 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
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.