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 (MP20488) and 5 other sources
James Albert Boyd, 48, was last seen on February 6, 1987, at a bank in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he purchased $1,500 in traveler’s checks in preparation for an upcoming trip to South Africa. Boyd, a reclusive dealer of rare and valuable objects such as gold, silver, rare coins, and Nazi memorabilia, was known for his extensive travels. His sudden disappearance, however, raised alarm after it was discovered he never made it to his intended destination.

A few days after Boyd’s disappearance, Tampa bank employees alerted authorities when Steven W. White, posing as Boyd, attempted to withdraw money from his accounts. Upon investigation, authorities found Boyd’s home, which had been secured with an elaborate security system, unlocked. Inside, there were alarming signs of foul play, including bloodstains, bullet holes, and spent cartridges. Many of Boyd's valuable items were missing, and his vehicle, a black and silver Chevrolet El Camino, had also vanished.

Steven White, who had befriended Boyd under the pretense of buying his house, was soon identified as a suspect. He was arrested several months later in possession of Boyd’s vehicle and other belongings. White was convicted of Boyd’s murder and sentenced to life in prison, though Boyd's body was never recovered. The case remains officially unsolved in terms of locating his remains, but authorities strongly suspect foul play due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Last Seen: Feb 13, 1987

Possible Unidentified Matches (8)

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 — Lake Wales, Florida - unidentified case UP12934
John Doe — Lake Wales, Florida
UP12934 • Found Oct 11, 1987
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–50 vs 48
Race 100%White
Location 85%65 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 68%5'11" vs 5'8"
Weight 100%135 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 70%Gray vs Blue
80%Moderate
John Doe — Sun City Center, Florida - unidentified case UP177
John Doe — Sun City Center, Florida
UP177 • Found Feb 15, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 55–65 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%18 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Tampa, Florida - unidentified case UP8112
John Doe — Tampa, Florida
UP8112 • Found Nov 8, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%17 mi away, same state
TimingFound 24 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Wesley Chapel, Florida - unidentified case UP2308
John Doe — Wesley Chapel, Florida
UP2308 • Found Jul 16, 1990
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–65 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 94%33 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
77%Possible
John Doe — Tampa, Florida - unidentified case UP196
John Doe — Tampa, Florida
UP196 • Found Aug 27, 1988
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%16 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 52%6'0" vs 5'8"
Weight 100%136 lb vs 150 lb
76%Possible
John Doe — Tampa, Florida - unidentified case UP179
John Doe — Tampa, Florida
UP179 • Found Jun 18, 2000
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 74%Est. 35–45 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%16 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
Weight 93%130 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
76%Possible
John Doe — North Fort Myers, Florida
UP1178 • Found Mar 23, 1990
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 78%88 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 84%5'6" vs 5'8"
75%Possible
John Doe — Tarpon Springs, Florida - unidentified case UP116
John Doe — Tarpon Springs, Florida
UP116 • Found Jan 12, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–60 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 95%27 mi away, same county
TimingFound 18 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'8"

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.

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