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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 (MP16395) and 2 other sources
On February 1, 2010, 32-year-old Carlos Enrique Pena Romero was last seen in Nogales, Arizona. A Hispanic male with brown hair and distinctive honey-colored eyes, Carlos was crossing the U.S.-Mexico border when he disappeared. At the time, he was between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed between 158 and 178 pounds. He has a scar from a recent cut on his left eyebrow. The exact circumstances of what happened to Carlos during this border crossing remain unclear, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss. His case is being handled by the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office.

The day he went missing, Carlos was wearing a notable amount of clothing, which suggests he may have been prepared for a journey. His attire included a white shirt with figures of workers, faded jeans, gray pants, a blue jacket with a zipper, and a sweater with the letters 'USA' in blue on a gray background. He also had on a royal blue goose-down sweater with a line through it, a light blue jacket, and another royal blue jacket with lining. For footwear, he was reported to be wearing short, light brown boots in a size 8 1/2. Carlos was also carrying a few accessories: a belt with a horse buckle, a brown backpack, and a royal blue cap with a white star and the word 'cowboys.'

The investigation into Carlos Pena Romero's disappearance has remained open, with his information logged in national missing persons databases. Despite the passage of time, there have been no significant public updates regarding his whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance. The vague nature of his last known activity—crossing the border—presents considerable challenges for investigators. The region is known for its harsh terrain and the dangers faced by those attempting to cross. Without more specific information or witnesses, the case has grown cold, yet for his loved ones, the hope for answers endures. This lack of resolution highlights the ambiguous and often tragic fate that befalls many who go missing along the borderlands.

Last Seen: Feb 1, 2010

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.

81%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 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 95%29 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"–5'9"
81%Moderate
John Doe — Arivaca, Arizona - unidentified case UP8711
John Doe — Arivaca, Arizona
UP8711 • Found Aug 19, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–38 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 95%29 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 months after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'7"–5'9"
81%Moderate
John Doe — Rio Rico, Arizona - unidentified case UP8718
John Doe — Rio Rico, Arizona
UP8718 • Found Feb 9, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 27–44 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%9 mi away, same county
TimingFound 8 days after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'7"–5'9"
80%Moderate
John Doe — Papago, Arizona - unidentified case UP9196
John Doe — Papago, Arizona
UP9196 • Found Jul 23, 2011
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 84%68 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 84%5'5" vs 5'7"–5'9"
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — San Simon, Arizona - unidentified case UP8741
John Doe — San Simon, Arizona
UP8741 • Found Sep 28, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 23–32 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 87%59 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"–5'9"
80%Moderate
John Doe — Arizona - unidentified case UP9621
John Doe — Arizona
UP9621 • Found Jul 13, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 85%66 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 months after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"–5'9"
80%Moderate
John Doe — Elgin, Arizona - unidentified case UP9048
John Doe — Elgin, Arizona
UP9048 • Found Mar 16, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 94%33 mi away, same county
TimingFound 6 weeks after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"–5'9"
Weight 72%118 lb vs 158–178 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
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 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 85%66 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'7"–5'9"
79%Possible
John Doe — Cowlic, Tohono O'Odham Nation, Arizona - unidentified case UP12076 View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–36 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 83%70 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 68%5'4" vs 5'7"–5'9"
Weight 94%136 lb vs 158–178 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
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 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 68%5'4" vs 5'7"–5'9"
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.

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