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 (MP5478) and 5 other sources
Edwin Collins Smith, a 49-year-old man from Palm Bay, Florida, was last seen on May 13, 1988. Smith, who had placed an ad seeking a roommate, disappeared shortly after meeting Charles Harris Schuhart III, who had responded to the ad. Schuhart subsequently stole several blank checks from Smith’s home, using them to withdraw nearly $88,000 from his accounts. Smith’s family, residing in Virginia, reported him missing later that month.

In 1993, Schuhart was convicted of fraud related to the check theft and served three years in prison. Years later, in 2007, Schuhart was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Smith's disappearance after he admitted knowing where Smith’s body was buried. Schuhart later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, stating that Smith had been shot and buried in the Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area. Despite Schuhart’s claims, Smith’s body has never been recovered. Schuhart was released from prison in 2011 after serving six years.
Last Seen: May 13, 1988

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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.

77%Possible
John Doe — Kissimmee, Florida - unidentified case UP581
John Doe — Kissimmee, Florida
UP581 • Found Sep 22, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 88%53 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 months after last seen
Height 84%6'0" vs 5'10"
Weight 33%165 lb vs 270–280 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Boynton Beach, Florida - unidentified case UP1119
John Doe — Boynton Beach, Florida
UP1119 • Found Oct 5, 1995
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 46–60 vs 48 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 73%108 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 84%6'0" vs 5'10"
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.