Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 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 (MP20628) and 5 other sources
On September 20, 1999, a young man named Antonio Yarnell Taylor, just 21 years old, disappeared from his grandmother's home in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The day had started with promise, as Antonio had a job interview scheduled for the afternoon. In preparation, he had carefully ironed his clothes and laid them out. His mother was planning to pick him up for the appointment that would have been a step toward his goal of obtaining a GED and becoming a barber to support his two young sons. His grandmother saw him that morning before she left for work, and another relative saw him around noon. Shortly after, Antonio received a phone call, left the house, and was never seen or heard from again. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a gray t-shirt, tennis shoes, and gold-rimmed glasses.

The circumstances surrounding Antonio's disappearance are deeply troubling to his loved ones. He left behind all of his personal belongings, including his pager, wallet, and cell phone, which suggested he intended to return shortly. His two sons, who were just toddlers at the time, were in daycare when he vanished. The family has expressed that Antonio had no reason to abandon his children and the future he was planning. In the initial days and weeks following his disappearance, family and friends organized searches and held a fish fry to raise money for a reward, desperate for any information that could lead to his return. Despite their efforts and pleas for help from the community, the leads grew cold.

Years have passed since Antonio Taylor was last seen, and his case has become one of Shelbyville's oldest unsolved missing person cases. His family has endured the anguish of not knowing what happened to him, holding onto the hope that one day they will have answers. They believe that someone in the small town of Shelbyville has information that could be crucial to solving the case. The Shelbyville Police Department continues to investigate, and in recent years, a new tip has provided a glimmer of hope. For his family, the pain of his absence is a constant presence, particularly on milestones like his birthday. The investigation into Antonio Yarnell Taylor's disappearance remains open as his family continues to seek closure and justice.

Last Seen: Sep 20, 1999

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

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 — Atlanta, Georgia - unidentified case UP10228
John Doe — Atlanta, Georgia
UP10228 • Found Apr 7, 2004
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–29 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 61%168 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'8"–5'11"
Weight 77%127 lb vs 165–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Atlanta, Georgia - unidentified case UP60757
John Doe — Atlanta, Georgia
UP60757 • Found Jul 24, 2017
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 61%168 mi away
TimingFound 18 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–5'8" vs 5'8"–5'11"
Weight 71%228 lb vs 165–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Kentucky
UP92 • Found Jul 11, 2000
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–25 vs 21
Race 100%Black
Location 63%162 mi away
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'8"–5'11"

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.