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298 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 (MP5629) and 6 other sources
In the spring of 1982, a young man named James Thomas Kinskey vanished from Lexington, Kentucky, leaving behind a life and a family who continue to seek answers decades later. At 25 years old, James was described as a sociable and hardworking individual. His sudden disappearance on March 27, 1982, created a void filled with questions and heartache for those who knew and loved him. The last confirmed sighting of James was after he was released from the Fayette County Jail. At the time of his disappearance, he did not own a vehicle and was known to hitchhike. After he was last seen, he was never heard from again, and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, with very few details available in his case.

Following his disappearance, concern mounted among his family and friends when he failed to return home. They promptly reported him missing, which initiated an investigation by local law enforcement. In the initial days and weeks, extensive searches were conducted in and around the Lexington area, concentrating on places James was known to frequent. His loved ones actively participated in these search efforts, distributing flyers and speaking with people in the community in the hopes of gathering any information that might lead to his whereabouts. Despite these dedicated efforts from both law enforcement and the community, no significant leads were generated, leaving his family with a growing sense of anxiety and a desperate need for answers.

Over the years, the investigation into James Kinskey's disappearance has explored various possibilities, including the potential for an accident or the possibility of foul play, though no substantial evidence has emerged to strongly support any single theory. Investigators have followed up on numerous tips throughout the years, but the case has been hampered by a lack of concrete evidence. James's family has remained steadfast in their efforts to keep his memory and his case in the public eye, understanding the vital role that public awareness can play in missing persons investigations. They have organized community events and vigils to ensure that his story is not forgotten, holding onto the hope that someone may eventually come forward with the information needed to bring closure to this long-standing and painful mystery. The case of James Thomas Kinskey is a poignant reminder of the enduring pain and uncertainty that families of the missing endure.

Last Seen: Mar 27, 1982

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.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Lexington, Kentucky
UP85 • Found Apr 17, 1986
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 24–35 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 68%5'6" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%140 lb vs 130–140 lb
79%Possible
John Doe — Cincinnati, Ohio - unidentified case UP7739
John Doe — Cincinnati, Ohio
UP7739 • Found Oct 27, 1988
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 83%73 mi away
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%137 lb vs 130–140 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 0%Blue vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Near Scottsville, Kentucky - unidentified case UP95
John Doe — Near Scottsville, Kentucky
UP95 • Found Aug 15, 1983
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 69%128 mi away, same state
TimingFound 17 months after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Floyds Knobs, Indiana
UP1845 • Found Sep 3, 1995
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 32–45 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 82%77 mi away
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Jeffersonville, Indiana
UP114481 • Found Apr 27, 2005
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 84%69 mi away
TimingFound 23 years after last seen
Height 84%5'11" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%138 lb vs 130–140 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Lexington, Kentucky
UP13107 • Found Oct 29, 2014
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 26–41 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%6 mi away, same county
TimingFound 33 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'9"
76%Possible
John Doe — Nashville, Tennessee
UP8525 • Found May 11, 1988
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 24–34 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 59%181 mi away
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 98%155 lb vs 130–140 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP12031 • Found Jun 15, 1983
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 44%306 mi away
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"
Weight 98%155 lb vs 130–140 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Somerset, Kentucky - unidentified case UP80
John Doe — Somerset, Kentucky
UP80 • Found Jul 9, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 85%66 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
75%Possible
John Doe — Falmouth, Kentucky - unidentified case UP81
John Doe — Falmouth, Kentucky
UP81 • Found Jul 6, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–45 vs 25 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 91%45 mi away, same state
TimingFound 14 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Hair 60%Black 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.