Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP17471) and 3 other sources
Eric Sermon, a 16-year-old teenager from Chino, California, went missing on August 20, 1996. On that day, Eric visited a park with two friends but never returned home. Little information is available about the exact circumstances of his disappearance. At the time, Eric was described as a Black male, standing 6'2" and weighing around 170 pounds. He had brown hair, which was shaved at the time, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black pants and a white shirt.

Despite ongoing efforts and the passing of decades, no significant leads have emerged regarding Eric's whereabouts, and his case remains unsolved. Authorities continue to investigate and ask for public assistance in providing any information that may help resolve the case.

Last Seen: Aug 20, 1996

Possible Unidentified Matches (6)

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.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP81218
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP81218 • Found May 21, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 26–40 vs 16 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 94%34 mi away, same state
TimingFound 25 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0"–6'3" vs 6'2"
Weight 100%150–165 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 40%Bald vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — West Hollywood, California - unidentified case UP119554
John Doe — West Hollywood, California
UP119554 • Found Mar 31, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 16 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 92%39 mi away, same state
TimingFound 28 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–6'1" vs 6'2"
Weight 92%146 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP84244
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP84244 • Found Sep 6, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–60 vs 16 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 93%36 mi away, same state
TimingFound 25 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8"–6'1" vs 6'2"
Weight 76%207 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Hawthorne, California - unidentified case UP132198
John Doe — Hawthorne, California
UP132198 • Found Aug 7, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–25 vs 16 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 92%39 mi away, same state
TimingFound 28 years after last seen
Height 68%5'8"–5'11" vs 6'2"
Weight 100%150–200 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Commerce, California
UP148343 • Found Jul 21, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–50 vs 16 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 95%27 mi away, same state
TimingFound 29 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0"–6'5" vs 6'2"
Weight 0%300–350 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP159079
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP159079 • Found Apr 7, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 16 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 94%34 mi away, same state
TimingFound 30 years after last seen
Height 52%5'10" vs 6'2"
Weight 75%132 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 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.