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Juanita Nelson Missing Person Case

Last seen in Boulder Creek, California on Dec 14, 1998

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Victim Details

Jan 9, 2010

Apr 5, 2023

Juanita

Nelson

44

17

64 inches

120 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

Dec 14, 1998

Boulder Creek

California

Santa Cruz County

26255

Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

Santa Cruz

California

Santa Cruz County

95062

5200 Soquel Avenue, California

8314711121

County

Law Enforcement

www.scsheriff.com

0005383

Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 11, 2026


Area Last Seen:

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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP4635) and 10 other sources
Juanita Jean Nelson, a 17-year-old high school senior, was last seen on December 14, 1998, in Boulder Creek, California. She disappeared while walking to San Lorenzo Valley High School, and despite extensive searches and investigations, she was never heard from again. On the day she vanished, Juanita was wearing a white quilted jacket and green pants. She was also several months pregnant, a detail that added urgency to the case. Authorities initially believed she may have left voluntarily, but over time, suspicions shifted to foul play.

As the investigation progressed, police focused on a former friend of Juanita's. This individual, already in prison for an unrelated crime, reportedly confessed to two acquaintances that he had killed Juanita and disposed of her body in a remote canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Despite searches in that rugged area, her body was never found, which has prevented the authorities from building a solid case against the suspect. Although a memorial service was held for Juanita in 2003, her case remains unsolved, and no one has been charged with her murder.

Juanita’s disappearance left a significant impact on her family, friends, and community. Described as a vibrant and outgoing individual, she had a wide social circle and participated in activities like ballet and theater. Despite the years that have passed, the search for answers continues, with law enforcement still treating the case as a probable homicide.
Last Seen: Dec 14, 1998

Links to Additional Sources (10)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Homicides 00-05383 - Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office
  • Juanita Jean Nelson - The Charley Project
  • Felton family hopes holidays will bring information on missing ...
  • The Disappearance of Juanita Nelson: Straightforward To Nowhere
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP4635
  • Juanita Jean Nelson | State of California - Department of Justice
  • Juanita Jean Nelson ~ Missing from... - Missing & Homeless
  • #StillMissing Juanita Jean... - California Lostnmissing | Facebook
  • Juanita Jean Nelson : r/NotForgotten - Reddit
  • 2211DFCA - Juanita Jean Nelson - Doe Network

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    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.

    78%Possible
    Jane Doe — San Francisco, California
    UP9160 • Found Apr 22, 2011
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 85%Est. 25–50 vs 17 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 90%46 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 12 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'2" vs 5'4"
    Weight 100%125 lb vs 120 lb
    Hair 100%Brown 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.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Juanita Jean Nelson was a 17-year-old high school senior last seen December 14, 1998, in Boulder... ...Read More
    10/04/2024

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