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Crime Solvers Central
302 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 (MP15165) and 9 other sources
Gregory Downes Howells, a 42-year-old playwright and director, was last seen on June 17, 1997, at the Rancho Cañada Golf Course in Carmel Valley, California. He had gone to the course for an evening round of golf, but he never returned home. The following day, his tan Honda was found in the parking lot of the golf course, with his wallet, identification, and the manuscript of his latest play, *Lazarus*, inside. His golf cart and clubs were discovered near the 13th tee, but there was no sign of Gregory.

At the time of his disappearance, Gregory was reportedly struggling with depression, exacerbated by personal and professional challenges. His wife, actress Sherry Glaser, indicated that Gregory was unhappy with the direction of his life, particularly in comparison to her growing success in the entertainment industry. Gregory had also taken on the primary caregiving role for their children, which added to his stress. There were signs that he had been coping poorly, including drinking, gambling, and neglecting his mental health.

The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, with no evidence to definitively suggest foul play or suicide. Despite extensive searches and investigations, Gregory's whereabouts remain a mystery, and he was declared legally dead in 2002. The case continues to be unsolved, and various theories, including possible voluntary disappearance, have been considered.

Last Seen: Jun 17, 1997

Possible Unidentified Matches (7)

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 — San Jose, California
UP127425 • Found Jun 14, 1997
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 38–52 vs 42
Race 100%White
Location 90%49 mi away, same state
TimingFound same day as last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 65%139 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Turlock, California
UP50957 • Found Jul 11, 2001
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 42 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 78%88 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 52%5'7" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%130–180 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Sausalito, California
UP12220 • Found May 15, 2013
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 42 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%95 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%180 lb vs 190 lb
76%Possible
John Doe — Berkeley, California - unidentified case UP12992
John Doe — Berkeley, California
UP12992 • Found Nov 2, 2010
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 42 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 77%93 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'11"
Weight 32%117 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
76%Possible
John Doe — California - unidentified case UP2363
John Doe — California
UP2363 • Found Mar 9, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 42 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 68%136 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'11"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Milpitas, California
UP72156 • Found Jun 14, 2018
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 42 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 86%61 mi away, same state
TimingFound 21 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–5'11" vs 5'11"
75%Possible
John Doe — Riverside, California - unidentified case UP7027
John Doe — Riverside, California
UP7027 • Found Jun 18, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–55 vs 42
Race 100%White
Location 44%312 mi away, same state
TimingFound 1 day after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'11"
Weight 99%170 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Brown 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.