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Dennis Samstag Missing Person Case

Last seen in Needles, California on Jul 7, 1994

Victim Details

Aug 26, 2009

Jan 12, 2024

Dennis

Samstag

66

34

68 inches

150 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jul 7, 1994

Needles

California

San Bernardino County

7526

San Bernardino Co. Sheriff Department

San Bernardino

California

,

219401302

Jul 8, 1994

San Bernardino Co. Sheriff Department

7902

Black

Brown

Brown

Oct 16, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP2752) and 3 other sources
Dennis Paul Samstag, 34, was last seen on July 7, 1994, in Needles, California. He had gone with a friend to the Colorado River, near Wetmore Beach. The two men, who had been drinking, were sitting by the river when Samstag's friend passed out on a boat ramp. When the friend awoke, Samstag was no longer there. Despite extensive searches of the river and its banks, no trace of him was found.

Samstag had several distinctive features, including an eye disorder that caused his eyes to move back and forth, a large mole on the outside of his foot, and a surgical scar on his abdomen. He was last seen wearing swim trunks and no shirt. Dennis was also classified as a dependent adult, as he was disabled and sometimes wore glasses.

His case remains unsolved, and authorities have found no concrete evidence regarding his disappearance despite thorough investigations. Family and law enforcement continue to seek answers as to what happened to him that day by the river.
Last Seen: Jul 7, 1994

Links to Additional Sources (3)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP2752 | NamUs
  • Dennis Paul Samstag - The Charley Project
  • 1039DMCA - Dennis Paul Samstag - Doe Network

    • 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.

    82%Moderate
    John Doe — Needles, California
    UP2476 • Found Nov 29, 2002
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%Same area, same county
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 68%5'5" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%154 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    81%Moderate
    John Doe — El Centro, California - unidentified case UP15324
    John Doe — El Centro, California
    UP15324 • Found Oct 3, 1994
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 34
    Race 100%White
    Location 65%152 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 93%130 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    81%Moderate
    John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP15327
    John Doe — Calexico, California
    UP15327 • Found Jun 9, 1994
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 34
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%158 mi away, same state
    TimingFound same day as last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%135 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Bombay Beach, California - unidentified case UP15224
    John Doe — Bombay Beach, California
    UP15224 • Found Sep 11, 1998
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 71%122 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 80%180 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Winterhaven, California - unidentified case UP15306
    John Doe — Winterhaven, California
    UP15306 • Found Nov 25, 1996
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 66%146 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 2 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%135 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP15227
    John Doe — Calexico, California
    UP15227 • Found Aug 30, 1998
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%158 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP15226
    John Doe — Calexico, California
    UP15226 • Found Aug 30, 1998
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%158 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP15253
    John Doe — Calexico, California
    UP15253 • Found Apr 20, 1998
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%158 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
    Weight 93%170 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Calexico, California - unidentified case UP15274
    John Doe — Calexico, California
    UP15274 • Found Oct 14, 1997
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 63%158 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
    Weight 80%120 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Winterhaven, California - unidentified case UP15292
    John Doe — Winterhaven, California
    UP15292 • Found May 31, 1997
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 34 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 66%146 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
    Hair 60%Brown vs Black
    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.

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    Forum Posts (3)

    Hey everyone, I've been following Dennis Paul Samstag's case and something just doesn't sit right... ...Read More
    12/01/2024
    Has anyone ever discussed the possibility that Dennis Paul Samstag might have accidentally drifted... ...Read More
    05/18/2023
    Has anyone looked into the possibility of there being any dangerous currents or unusual water... ...Read More
    04/28/2023

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