Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 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 (MP22767) and 7 other sources
Daniel William Southers, a 25-year-old man from Fort Bragg, California, was last seen on September 17, 1987. On that day, he left his residence around 9:30 AM and was never heard from again. His mother and girlfriend reported him missing a week later, on September 24. Southers was described as a large man, standing 6'3" and weighing 250 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He had visible scars, including on his abdomen and elbows, and had previously suffered fractures to his right arm, left leg, and nose.

At the time of his disappearance, Southers was believed to be involved in illegal marijuana cultivation, which has led authorities to suspect that his disappearance may be drug-related. Despite these suspicions, no concrete leads have emerged over the years, and his case remains unsolved. Dental records, DNA, and fingerprints are on file, but they have not yet led to any breakthroughs.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate Southers' case, urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring closure to this long-standing mystery.

Last Seen: Sep 17, 1987

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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.

75%Possible
John Doe — Covelo, California - unidentified case UP124271
John Doe — Covelo, California
UP124271 • Found Oct 24, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 58–72 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 92%38 mi away, same county
TimingFound 36 years after last seen
Height 100%6'1"–6'3" vs 6'3"
75%Possible
John Doe — Laytonville, California
UP79682 • Found Apr 14, 2000
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away, same county
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 68%5'10"–6'0" vs 6'3"

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.