Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP7130) and 5 other sources
In the spring of 1977, a 24-year-old man named Ronald Owen Kimble vanished from the streets of Seattle, Washington. He was last seen on April 12th of that year, a young man with brown or reddish-brown hair and brown eyes, who had a tendency to move frequently about the country. At the time of his disappearance, Ronald was experiencing homelessness, a circumstance that made tracking his movements and whereabouts a significant challenge from the very beginning. His life was further complicated by a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a detail that adds a layer of concern to his sudden and complete silence.

The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into years, with no word from Ronald. His transient lifestyle was a known factor, but the complete lack of contact was uncharacteristic and alarming to those who knew him. He had attended Shoreline High School and was a familiar face in his community before his struggles led him to a more nomadic existence. The investigation into his disappearance was hampered by the scarcity of information; few details were available to paint a clear picture of his last known moments or his state of mind. The trail grew cold, leaving a void of unanswered questions for his family and the investigators assigned to his case.

Decades have now passed since Ronald Kimble was last heard from, and his case remains a quiet but persistent mystery. He is one of the many faces of the long-term missing, a man whose life story was interrupted without explanation. The passage of time has not diminished the hope for answers, but it has certainly obscured the path to finding them. The overview of this case is one of profound uncertainty, a narrative of a vulnerable individual who disappeared from a society that was, at the time, ill-equipped to trace those who fall through the cracks. His story is a poignant reminder of the enduring pain and ambiguity that surrounds the cold cases of the missing.

Last Seen: Apr 12, 1977

Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

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.

81%Moderate
John Doe — Washington - unidentified case UP5697
John Doe — Washington
UP5697 • Found Mar 18, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–24 vs 23–24 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 92%38 mi away, same state
TimingFound 12 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%155 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Issaquah, Washington - unidentified case UP8582
John Doe — Issaquah, Washington
UP8582 • Found Jan 15, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 23–24 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%15 mi away, same county
TimingFound 26 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3"–5'8" vs 5'9"
78%Possible
John Doe — Skykomish, Washington - unidentified case UP9128
John Doe — Skykomish, Washington
UP9128 • Found Nov 2, 1988
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–45 vs 23–24 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 90%46 mi away, same county
TimingFound 12 years after last seen
Height 68%5'6" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%150 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP11907
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP11907 • Found Aug 25, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 23–24 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 66%146 mi away
TimingFound 12 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP11906
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP11906 • Found Jul 28, 1988
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 23–24 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 66%146 mi away
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
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.