Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP18301) and 7 other sources
Deanna Brooks, a 70-year-old woman from Santa Cruz, California, went missing on August 24, 2012, under circumstances that have left authorities and her family baffled. A long-time antique dealer, Brooks was last seen at her home in Santa Cruz, where she told her family she was preparing to drive to San Diego for her mother's 90th birthday celebration. Brooks was driving a gold 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, which had noticeable damage on both sides. However, she never arrived at her destination, and her car has also not been recovered since that day.

Brooks' last known communication was an email she sent around 11 a.m. on August 24, which indicated that she was still in Santa Cruz. She had diabetes and possibly early-stage dementia, leading her family to fear she may have had a medical emergency during her drive. Given her need for a walker and her declining health, the situation was immediately alarming. Family members alerted authorities when she failed to arrive in San Diego, and despite numerous searches along the possible routes she might have taken, no significant clues have emerged regarding her whereabouts.

There has been no activity on Brooks' credit cards or bank account since her disappearance. Her family continues to seek answers, urging the public to stay alert for any information related to her case or her vehicle. Over the years, the case has remained unsolved, and despite ongoing efforts, including investigations by the Santa Cruz Police Department, no new leads have been found. Brooks’ disappearance continues to be a heartbreaking mystery for her family and the community.

Last Seen: Aug 24, 2012

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.

81%Moderate
Jane Doe — San Jose, California - unidentified case UP129724
Jane Doe — San Jose, California
UP129724 • Found Jan 23, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 58–72 vs 70 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 97%21 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3"–5'5" vs 5'2"–5'3"
Weight 43%120–125 lb vs 195–210 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Red
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Corcoran, California
UP80919 • Found May 13, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 68–82 vs 70 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 65%150 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2"–5'5" vs 5'2"–5'3"
Weight 85%130–160 lb vs 195–210 lb
Hair 50%Blond vs Red

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.