Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP20885) and 5 other sources
In the early summer of 1989, a 30-year-old man named Alwin Todd Burton vanished from his home in Detroit, Michigan. On June 1st of that year, Alwin, who was also known by the nickname 'Hippie,' left his residence on a bicycle and was never seen or heard from again. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as a Black male, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. He had short, curly black hair and brown eyes. A distinctive feature noted was a strawberry burn mark on his buttocks from a childhood baseball injury. The details surrounding what he was wearing or where he intended to go on his bicycle remain unknown.

The circumstances of Alwin's disappearance are unsettlingly sparse. The simple act of leaving on his bicycle transformed into an enduring mystery when he did not return. There were no signs of foul play at his home, no known conflicts, and no indication that he planned to leave for an extended period. His case was officially filed with the Detroit Police Department, but years have passed without any significant leads or breakthroughs. The lack of information has left his family and investigators with a painful void and a case that has grown cold with the passage of time.

Over three decades have now passed since Alwin Todd Burton was last seen. The investigation into his disappearance remains open, a quiet and lingering question in the files of the Detroit Police Department. With very few details to go on, the case has been particularly challenging for law enforcement. The primary known fact is that he departed on his bicycle and vanished into the city. His family has endured years of uncertainty, holding onto hope while grappling with the profound sadness of his absence. The overview of Alwin's case is a stark reminder of how a seemingly ordinary day can become the beginning of a lifelong mystery, leaving behind more questions than answers and a family forever changed by the unexplained loss of a loved one.

Last Seen: Jun 1, 1989

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.

85%Strong
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP11882
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP11882 • Found Jul 8, 1990
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 13 months after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%122 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
82%Moderate
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP56104
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP56104 • Found Nov 30, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 16–30 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'5"
Weight 52%171 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP129330
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP129330 • Found Sep 4, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%5 mi away, same county
TimingFound 35 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%126 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Black
80%Moderate
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP11139 • Found Jun 13, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%7 mi away, same county
TimingFound 23 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Weight 56%169 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
80%Moderate
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP8243
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP8243 • Found Aug 14, 2007
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 16–30 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 18 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"
Weight 89%150 lb vs 130 lb
80%Moderate
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP12232
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP12232 • Found May 8, 2004
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'5"
Weight 86%152 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP15959
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP15959 • Found Sep 21, 2016
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 27 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%120 lb vs 130 lb
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP13142 • Found May 11, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 52%5'9" vs 5'5"
Weight 83%154 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — River Rouge, Michigan
UP83246 • Found Jul 26, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 30
Race 100%Black
Location 100%6 mi away, same county
TimingFound 8 weeks after last seen
Height 20%5'11" vs 5'5"
Weight 98%144 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP11863 • Found May 22, 1992
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–45 vs 30 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 52%5'9" vs 5'5"
Hair 100%Black vs Black
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.