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Spencer Karas Missing Person Case

Last seen in Palm Springs, California on Jul 1, 2008

Victim Details

Mar 3, 2009

Jan 12, 2024

Spencer

Karas

39

21

70 inches

130 lbs

135 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jul 1, 2008

Palm Springs

California

Riverside County

92262

No

7214

Palm Springs Police Department

Palm Springs

California

Riverside County

92262

200 South Civic Drive, California

7603238116

Local

Law Enforcement

0807P0124

Palm Springs Police Department

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 8, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP1680) and 8 other sources
Spencer Nicholas Karas, a 21-year-old man, was last seen in Palm Springs, California, on June 30, 2008. His disappearance has remained a mystery since that day. Spencer was last heard from around 6:30 p.m., and the following day, his truck was found abandoned in an orchard near Highway 86 in Thermal, California, about 40 miles from where he was last seen. His keys, wallet, and credit cards were left inside the truck, adding to the puzzling nature of his disappearance.

Spencer's family and authorities have found no significant clues to explain what happened. His case is considered suspicious, and foul play has not been ruled out. Despite various searches and ongoing investigations by the Palm Springs Police Department, no further evidence has surfaced to provide clarity. Spencer remains missing, and his family continues to seek answers.
Last Seen: Jul 1, 2008

Links to Additional Sources (8)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Persons | City of Palm Springs
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP1680
  • Spencer Nicholas Karas | State of California - Department of Justice
  • Mother of Missing Palm Springs Man Pleads for Public Help - KESQ
  • Spencer Nicholas Karas - The Charley Project
  • The Palm Springs Disappearance of Spencer Karas (missing since ...
  • Missing: Spencer Nicholas Karas - 411 Gina
  • Spencer Nicholas Karas : r/NotForgotten - Reddit

    • 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.

    83%Moderate
    John Doe — Moreno Valley, California - unidentified case UP6963
    John Doe — Moreno Valley, California
    UP6963 • Found Jul 8, 2008
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–25 vs 21
    Race 100%White
    Location 93%38 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 7 days after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'10"
    Weight 39%183 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Palm Springs, California
    UP60257 • Found Mar 10, 2019
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–24 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%Same area, same county
    TimingFound 11 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'9"–6'1" vs 5'10"
    79%Possible
    John Doe — La Habra, California - unidentified case UP16279
    John Doe — La Habra, California
    UP16279 • Found Oct 18, 2015
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 27–28 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 81%79 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"
    Weight 100%141 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    78%Possible
    John Doe — Indio, California
    UP17830 • Found Jul 26, 2016
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 97%23 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 36%5'5" vs 5'10"
    Weight 100%142 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    78%Possible
    John Doe — Castaic, California - unidentified case UP7578
    John Doe — Castaic, California
    UP7578 • Found Mar 8, 2010
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 22–35 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 70%125 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 20 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'10"
    Weight 94%113 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Hawthorne, California - unidentified case UP88645
    John Doe — Hawthorne, California
    UP88645 • Found Jan 11, 2022
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 75%102 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 14 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'5"–5'11" vs 5'10"
    Weight 100%140 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP12864
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP12864 • Found Feb 13, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 28–50 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 76%97 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 6 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 5'10"
    Weight 55%175–190 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Winterhaven, California
    UP12609 • Found Oct 6, 2008
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 21
    Race 100%White
    Location 68%136 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 months after last seen
    Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"
    Weight 45%180 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Winterhaven, California
    UP12608 • Found Sep 11, 2008
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 18–35 vs 21
    Race 100%White
    Location 68%136 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 2 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'10"
    Weight 45%180 lb vs 130–135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — North Hollywood, California
    UP122468 • Found May 18, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 18–36 vs 21 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 74%106 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 16 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'4"–5'10" vs 5'10"
    Weight 90%90–110 lb vs 130–135 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.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

    Latest News

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Hey everyone, I’ve been digging into Spencer Nicholas Karas’s case and noticed something odd about... ...Read More
    07/11/2024
    I've been diving deep into Spencer Nicholas Karas's disappearance, and something that's been on my... ...Read More
    11/20/2023

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