Stephen Shawn Austin, a 17-year-old from El Paso, Texas, went missing on August 19, 1997. He was last seen either leaving his residence early in the morning to go to school or at his home around 11:00 p.m. that night. Stephen was described as a 6'1" African-American male with black hair, brown eyes, and scars on both sides of his neck and on his nose.
He also had a pierced right ear and was known to wear a white t-shirt, dark blue or brown pants, white tennis shoes, and a round gold earring.
Stephen suffered from heart and sinus problems, as well as asthma. Despite extensive searches and investigations, few details have emerged about his disappearance. The El Paso Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety have been involved in the case, but it remains unsolved.
In 2018, remains believed to be Stephen's were discovered in Madison County, Mississippi. Advanced DNA testing and genealogical research conducted by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with Othram, confirmed his identity in 2024. However, the circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.
If you have any information about Stephen's case, you can contact the El Paso Police Department at 915-599-5712 or the Texas Department of Public Safety at 800-346-3243.Last Seen: Aug 19, 1997
