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 (MP115918) and 7 other sources
The disappearance of Michael Dotzler, a 58-year-old man from Long Island, New York, began on January 17, 2024. That afternoon, at approximately 4:30 p.m., he was seen on North Chestnut Street in Massapequa. Later that evening, around 10:40 p.m., he was last seen leaving a relative's home on Poulson Street in Wantagh. Authorities and his family believe he may have been heading towards the Point Lookout area. Michael is described as a vulnerable adult who might be confused and in need of medical attention. At the time he went missing, he was wearing a navy blue baseball cap, a dark blue bomber-style jacket, blue jeans, and black sneakers with white trim.

The day after Michael Dotzler was last seen, a troubling discovery was made at the East Marina in Point Lookout. His vehicle was found, but a search of the car only deepened the mystery of his whereabouts. Inside the vehicle, investigators found that his keys, wallet, and cellphone were missing. There was no note or any indication of where he might have gone, leaving his family with an agonizing silence. His wife, Mirna Dotzler, has expressed the pain of not knowing what happened to her husband, a sentiment echoed by the entire family who continue their desperate search for answers.

The investigation into Michael Dotzler's disappearance is ongoing, with the Nassau County Police Department actively looking into the case. One theory being considered is the possibility that he may have accidentally fallen into the water near where his car was discovered. The family has remained steadfast in their hope for his return, with his wife stating she still calls his phone just to hear his voice on the voicemail. This case is a heart-wrenching example of a family left in limbo, holding out hope while grappling with the unknown circumstances surrounding the sudden disappearance of a loved one. The lack of any clear evidence or communication has made the situation particularly difficult for his family and the investigators working to bring him home.

Last Seen: Jan 17, 2024

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 — Manhattan, New York - unidentified case UP140932
John Doe — Manhattan, New York
UP140932 • Found Mar 3, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 58 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 14 months after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'10"
Weight 100%183 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 40%Black vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
79%Possible
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP133644
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP133644 • Found Oct 14, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 58
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 98%19 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"
Weight 66%125 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
79%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - unidentified case UP151698
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP151698 • Found Oct 13, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 58 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 77%92 mi away
TimingFound 21 months after last seen
Height 84%5'6"–5'8" vs 5'10"
Weight 100%150–155 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 100%Hazel vs Hazel
78%Possible
John Doe — Newark, New Jersey - unidentified case UP144221
John Doe — Newark, New Jersey
UP144221 • Found Dec 29, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 58
Race 100%White
Location 94%33 mi away
TimingFound 11 months after last seen
Height 52%5'6" vs 5'10"
Weight 87%142 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 40%Black vs Gray
78%Possible
John Doe — Manhattan, New York - unidentified case UP131734
John Doe — Manhattan, New York
UP131734 • Found Sep 30, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 45–65 vs 58
Race 100%White
Location 96%25 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 68%5'7" vs 5'10"
Weight 88%143 lb vs 170 lb
77%Possible
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP134797
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP134797 • Found Feb 15, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 58
Race 100%White
Location 96%23 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 weeks after last seen
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
77%Possible
John Doe — Asbury Park, New Jersey
UP160155 • Found Aug 4, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 58
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 94%34 mi away
TimingFound 7 months after last seen
Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"
Weight 99%152 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP124870
John Doe — New York, New York
UP124870 • Found Apr 22, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 79%Est. 45–55 vs 58
Location 95%27 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 months after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'10"
Weight 100%186 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP115204
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP115204 • Found Dec 26, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 79%Est. 45–55 vs 58
Race 100%White
Location 98%17 mi away, same state
TimingFound same day as last seen
Height 52%5'6" vs 5'10"
Weight 93%147 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 40%Black vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP161901
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP161901 • Found Jun 25, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 58 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 52%5'6" vs 5'10"
Weight 94%148 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel

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.