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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP16654) and 1 other source
In the border town of San Luis, Arizona, a family was forever changed by the disappearance of 18-year-old Jose Manuel Morales Aguilar. On September 26, 2010, the young man, a Hispanic male with brown hair and brown eyes, was last seen. At the time, he was reportedly wearing blue jeans and carrying a black backpack. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are limited, with the primary detail being that he was last seen while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. This single piece of information paints a picture of a journey cut short, leaving a void of unanswered questions for his loved ones.

Jose was at a pivotal age, on the cusp of adulthood, when his path vanished. Standing at approximately 5 feet 3 inches and weighing between 200 and 220 pounds, he was a tangible presence who seemingly disappeared without a trace. The lack of further details in public records adds to the mystery and the family's anguish. The case was created in the NamUs database on July 30, 2012, nearly two years after he was last seen, indicating a prolonged period of uncertainty and the eventual, painful acknowledgment that he was officially missing. The investigating agency listed is the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office, a detail that underscores the serious nature of the concerns for his welfare from early on.

Years have passed since Jose Morales Aguilar was last seen, and his case remains an open wound for those who knew him. The passage of time has not brought clarity, only the hardening of a cold case. His disappearance is a stark reminder of the perils that can accompany a border crossing and the deep-seated worry that becomes a constant companion for families whose loved ones embark on such journeys. The overview of this case is one of profound and sudden loss, with very few details to construct a full narrative. It is the story of a young man who one day was present and the next was gone, his existence relegated to a case file and the fading memories of those who hold out hope for answers.

Last Seen: Sep 26, 2010

Links to Additional Sources (1)

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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.

77%Possible
John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP14740
John Doe — Calexico, California
UP14740 • Found Jul 28, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 91%44 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 68%5'6" vs 5'3"
Weight 91%170 lb vs 200–220 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Gila Bend, Arizona - unidentified case UP81707
John Doe — Gila Bend, Arizona
UP81707 • Found May 11, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 15–18 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 70%124 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"
Weight 60%120–140 lb vs 200–220 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Calexico, California
UP11876 • Found Oct 27, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 18 when missing
Race 60%White
Location 91%44 mi away
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 68%5'6" vs 5'3"
Weight 82%160 lb vs 200–220 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Maricopa, Arizona - unidentified case UP10459
John Doe — Maricopa, Arizona
UP10459 • Found Jan 30, 2012
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 92%Est. 20–35 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 62%164 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 25%114 lb vs 200–220 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Redlands, California - unidentified case UP9086
John Doe — Redlands, California
UP9086 • Found Jul 27, 2011
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 86%Est. 20–30 vs 18
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 60%175 mi away
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"
Weight 80%158 lb vs 200–220 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Near Ajo, Arizona - unidentified case UP51289
John Doe — Near Ajo, Arizona
UP51289 • Found Feb 5, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 73%112 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2"–5'6" vs 5'3"
75%Possible
John Doe — Ajo, Arizona - unidentified case UP15696
John Doe — Ajo, Arizona
UP15696 • Found Nov 8, 2015
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 17–25 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 73%112 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
75%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 18
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 62%164 mi away, same state
TimingFound 12 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"
Hair 60%Black vs Brown

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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