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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 (MP20329) and 4 other sources
In the summer of 2000, a young father named Anton 'Tony' Lawson vanished from his New Orleans neighborhood, leaving behind a life that, by all accounts, was deeply rooted in his community. At 21 years old, Anton was a father to two young children and worked for his father's moving and painting businesses. He was a familiar face in his neighborhood, a place he rarely ventured far from. The days leading up to his disappearance were seemingly ordinary. On August 1, 2000, his father saw him briefly at their home on Banks Street as Anton came in to change his clothes before heading out again. When his father returned later that evening, Anton was not there. The following morning, August 2nd, after his father had left for work, Anton returned home once more to change his clothes and then left. This would be the last time he was ever seen or heard from.

The circumstances surrounding Anton's disappearance are shrouded in uncertainty, with very few details available to create a clear picture of what might have happened. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, gray shorts, and light-colored tennis shoes. Distinctive features that might help identify him include a surgical scar on the left side of his neck and another scar on his left cheek. He also had several tattoos: the name 'Parmala' on his left hand, his nickname 'Tony' on his neck, and 'P. Lawson' tattooed on his right forearm. Additionally, he had four gold teeth on his upper front jaw. The New Orleans Police Department was tasked with the investigation into his sudden disappearance.

Years have passed since Anton Lawson's family and friends last saw him, and his case has grown cold, leaving his loved ones without answers. The narrative of his last known moments is brief and offers no clear indication of foul play or a voluntary departure. He was a young man with strong ties to his family and his local area, working alongside his father and raising his children. The lack of any communication or sightings in the years since he vanished has only deepened the mystery and the pain for those he left behind. The investigation remains open, a silent testament to a life interrupted and a family's unending search for closure.

Last Seen: Aug 1, 2000

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.

83%Moderate
John Doe — New Orleans, Louisiana
UP857 • Found Feb 17, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–25 vs 21
Race 100%Black
Location 99%14 mi away, same county
TimingFound 7 months after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"–6'2"
78%Possible
John Doe — Louisiana
UP14657 • Found Oct 10, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 80%Est. 28–35 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%3 mi away, same county
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 84%6'4" vs 5'11"–6'2"
Weight 100%140 lb vs 150 lb
77%Possible
John Doe — Belle Chasse, Louisiana - unidentified case UP54169
John Doe — Belle Chasse, Louisiana
UP54169 • Found Dec 1, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 98%18 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 years after last seen
Height 52%5'7" vs 5'11"–6'2"
Weight 100%165 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
75%Possible
John Doe — Mississippi
UP4683 • Found Sep 4, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 78%Est. 25–35 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 75%102 mi away
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"–6'2"
Weight 100%165 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black

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.