In the spring of 1992, a sense of unease settled over a family in Phoenix, Arizona, with the disappearance of 37-year-old Israel Quintana, Sr. A Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, Israel was last seen at his home near 14th Avenue and Van Buren Street on May 3, 1992. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being between 5'7' and 5'8' tall and weighing between 135 and 145 pounds. He was also known to have a mustache and a full beard.
His family and friends have not heard from him since that day, and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance have led investigators to suspect foul play.
Distinctive physical characteristics might have made Israel Quintana, Sr. easily recognizable. He had a noticeable bump on the top of one of his shoulders, believed to be the right one, which was the result of a previous fracture. Additionally, he had several scars, including one across his right knee, another on one of his heels, and a third on the upper bridge of his nose, situated between his eyes. These identifying marks, along with his general description, were circulated in the hopes that someone might come forward with information. The Phoenix Police Department has been handling the investigation into his disappearance.
Years have turned into decades, yet the case of Israel Quintana, Sr.'s disappearance remains unresolved, leaving his loved ones with unanswered questions. Also known by the name Israel Contreras-Quintana, his case is a somber reminder of the many individuals who vanish under troubling circumstances. The lack of significant leads over the years has been a source of ongoing pain for his family. The initial investigation noted that foul play was suspected, a detail that has cast a long shadow over the case. The official missing persons report was created years after he was last seen, on December 12, 2009. The passage of time has not diminished the hope for answers, and the case remains a poignant example of the enduring mystery and heartache that surrounds a long-term missing person investigation.Last Seen: May 3, 1992