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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP16868) and 2 other sources
In the border town of Nogales, Arizona, a family's life was forever changed on November 19, 2011. On that day, 35-year-old Vicente Espinoza Hernandez, a Hispanic male, vanished. The last known information about his whereabouts places him attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing between 190 and 210 pounds, with black hair and black eyes. His case was officially created with the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office on July 30, 2012, highlighting the agonizing passage of time for his loved ones left without answers.

Vicente was well-prepared for a journey, though the full extent of his plans remains unknown. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved black shirt, a black sweatshirt, black sports pants, and white socks. On his feet were industrial-type black boots in a size 8 or 8 1/2. He carried a black backpack that held personal and practical items: letters and photos of his wife, a testament to the life he had, alongside anti-inflammatory pills for a knee issue. He was also equipped with three cell phones and a radio, suggesting a need to stay in communication. Distinctive marks that could aid in his identification include a scar on the side of his head and moles on his neck and chest.

The circumstances surrounding Vicente Espinoza Hernandez's disappearance point to a journey fraught with uncertainty and potential peril. The U.S.-Mexico border region, particularly near Nogales, is a known corridor for individuals seeking to cross into the United States, a journey that can be dangerous. The lack of any contact since November 19, 2011, leaves a void of information. The case, managed by the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office, represents one of many such stories of individuals who have gone missing in this border region. The passage of years has not brought closure, and the details of what happened to Vicente after he was last seen remain an unanswered question, a painful reality for those who continue to await any news.

Last Seen: Nov 19, 2011

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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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.

83%Moderate
John Doe — Nogales, Arizona - unidentified case UP10775
John Doe — Nogales, Arizona
UP10775 • Found May 12, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–39 vs 35
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 6 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Hair 100%Black vs Black
82%Moderate
John Doe — Arivaca, Arizona - unidentified case UP10663
John Doe — Arivaca, Arizona
UP10663 • Found Jul 23, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 35
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 95%29 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'6"–5'8"
81%Moderate
John Doe — Cowlic, Tohono O'Odham Nation, Arizona - unidentified case UP12076 View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–36 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 83%70 mi away, same state
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 64%136 lb vs 190–210 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
80%Moderate
John Doe — vicinity of New Fields, Arizona - unidentified case UP14173
John Doe — vicinity of New Fields, Arizona
UP14173 • Found Jan 29, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–40 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 89%49 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'6"–5'8"
80%Moderate
John Doe — Near Big Field Village, Arizona - unidentified case UP11595
John Doe — Near Big Field Village, Arizona
UP11595 • Found May 8, 2013
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–45 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 85%66 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 100%176 lb vs 190–210 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
80%Moderate
John Doe — Sells, Arizona - unidentified case UP10439
John Doe — Sells, Arizona
UP10439 • Found May 1, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 35
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 84%68 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 months after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'6"–5'8"
79%Possible
John Doe — Near Choulic Village, Arizona - unidentified case UP16478
John Doe — Near Choulic Village, Arizona
UP16478 • Found Sep 12, 2016
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–40 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 88%55 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'6"–5'8"
79%Possible
John Doe — Arizona - unidentified case UP11971
John Doe — Arizona
UP11971 • Found Jul 28, 2013
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 85%66 mi away, same state
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'6"–5'8"
79%Possible
John Doe — South Tucson, Arizona - unidentified case UP12008
John Doe — South Tucson, Arizona
UP12008 • Found May 9, 2013
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 18–35 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 87%59 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 60%133 lb vs 190–210 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
79%Possible
John Doe — Onion Stand, Tohono O'odham Res, Arizona - unidentified case UP10075 View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 35
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 81%79 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 months after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'6"–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.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.