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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 (MP16853) and 1 other source
In the vast and often unforgiving landscape of the Arizona borderlands, the story of two brothers, Adan and Pedro Murillo Sanchez, unfolds as a quiet and unresolved tragedy. On September 14, 2011, Adan, a 26-year-old Hispanic male, and his brother Pedro vanished. They were last seen together as they attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border into Arizona. At the time of his disappearance, Adan was described as being 5'6' tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He had a mustache and a distinguishing scar next to it. The brothers' journey into the United States ended in a mystery that has now spanned over a decade, leaving their family with unanswered questions and the lingering pain of their absence.

The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Adan and Pedro are sparse, with the only known detail being their last reported location at the border. This lack of information is not uncommon for cases involving individuals crossing in remote and often dangerous corridors. The Pima County Medical Examiner's Office officially took on Adan's case, with a report date of December 15, 2011, several months after he was last seen. The few details available about what Adan was wearing include a pant size of 32 and a shoe size of 8. These small pieces of information are the last tangible connections to a man who, along with his brother, seemingly vanished into the harsh desert environment.

The case of Adan Murillo Sanchez is a poignant example of the ambiguous loss faced by many families whose loved ones disappear while crossing the border. With no witnesses to their fate and no further evidence emerging since they were last seen, the investigation has remained static. The Pima County Medical Examiner's Office holds the case, a silent testament to the two brothers who embarked on a journey with hopes for a different future. The narrative of Adan and his brother Pedro is one of an unfinished journey, a story that lacks a conclusion, leaving only the stark reality of their continued absence and the enduring hope for answers.

Last Seen: Sep 14, 2011

Links to Additional Sources (1)

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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.

79%Possible
John Doe — Maricopa, Arizona - unidentified case UP10072
John Doe — Maricopa, Arizona
UP10072 • Found Sep 25, 2011
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 19–30 vs 26
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 78%88 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 days after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"
Hair 100%Black vs Black
78%Possible
John Doe — Cowlic, Tohono O'Odham Nation, Arizona - unidentified case UP12076 View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–36 vs 26 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 62%163 mi away, same county
TimingFound 22 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%136 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%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 26 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 69%128 mi away, same county
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%133 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Maricopa, Arizona - unidentified case UP10459
John Doe — Maricopa, Arizona
UP10459 • Found Jan 30, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 26
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 78%88 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 months after last seen
Height 52%5'2" vs 5'6"
Weight 83%114 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Arizona - unidentified case UP75357
John Doe — Arizona
UP75357 • Found Jul 24, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 53%Est. 18–22 vs 26 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"
Weight 100%120–135 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Arizona - unidentified case UP14499
John Doe — Arizona
UP14499 • Found Jun 30, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–32 vs 26 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 67%142 mi away, same county
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'6"
Hair 100%Black vs Black
76%Possible
John Doe — Arizona - unidentified case UP12091
John Doe — Arizona
UP12091 • Found Sep 24, 2013
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 23–38 vs 26 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 79%86 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 84%5'8" vs 5'6"
76%Possible
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 26 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 67%142 mi away, same county
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"
Weight 68%176 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Picacho, Arizona - unidentified case UP10351
John Doe — Picacho, Arizona
UP10351 • Found Dec 29, 2011
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 26
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 76%95 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 months after last seen
Height 84%5'8" vs 5'6"
75%Possible
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 26
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 61%171 mi away, same county
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'6"

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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