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Kerry Johnson Missing Person Case

Last seen in Reno, Nevada on Sep 14, 1982

Victim Details

Aug 4, 2009

Feb 15, 2023

Kerry

Johnson

61

17

68 inches

160 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

Sep 14, 1982

Reno

Nevada

Washoe County

25883

Salem Police Department

Salem

Oregon

Marion County

97301

Jake Burke

Detective

555 Liberty Street Southeast, Oregon

5035886123

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.cityofsalem.net/police

8236790

Salem Police Department

7182

Brown

Blue

Blue

No

Oct 11, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP2660) and 7 other sources
In the late summer of 1982, 17-year-old Kerry Lynelle Johnson embarked on a journey from her home in Salem, Oregon. Her plans were to visit a relative in Reno, Nevada, and from there, travel to San Jose, California, to see a friend. Kerry was traveling alone, and it is believed she was hitchhiking. She was possibly carrying a blue suitcase or bag. She had brown hair and blue eyes, stood at five feet eight inches tall, and weighed around 160 pounds. Distinctive physical characteristics included a faint scar near one of her eyes from stitches and feet that turned slightly inward, which caused her some difficulty when running.

Kerry successfully reached her relative's home in Reno and then continued her travels to visit her friend in California. On September 14, 1982, she made a phone call to a family member, which would be the last time they ever heard from her. During the call, Kerry stated her intention to travel back to Nevada before returning to her home in Salem, Oregon. She assured her family that she would be home by October 1, 1982. However, Kerry never arrived back in Salem, and all contact with her was lost.

The circumstances surrounding Kerry Johnson's disappearance remain unclear, and her case is still unsolved. The investigation into her vanishing has been hampered by the unfortunate loss of her entire police file at some point after she went missing. This has made it difficult for investigators to piece together the details of her case and to identify potential leads. Despite the passage of time, law enforcement in Oregon continues to investigate her disappearance. Kerry's case serves as a somber reminder of the enduring pain and uncertainty that families of the missing face, as they continue to hope for answers and closure.
Last Seen: Sep 14, 1982

Links to Additional Sources (7)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Kerry Lynelle Johnson - The Charley Project
  • 150DFOR - Kerry Lynelle Johnson - Doe Network
  • Missing: Kerry Lynelle Johnson - 411 Gina
  • Kerry Johnson | International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom
  • Kerry Lynelle Johnson | Whereabouts Still Unknown - WordPress.com
  • Have you seen this child? Kerry Lynelle Johnson - Pinterest
  • 1982 Johnson, Kerry 9-14-1982 - PorchlightUSA - Tapatalk

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    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.

    76%Possible
    Jane Doe — Nevada City, California - unidentified case UP85674
    Jane Doe — Nevada City, California
    UP85674 • Found Jul 8, 1984
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 17 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 84%67 mi away
    TimingFound 22 months after last seen
    Height 75%5'0"–5'8" vs 5'8"
    Hair 50%Blond 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)

    I was just reading about Kerry Lynelle Johnson's case, and something struck me about the timeline.... ...Read More
    10/10/2024
    I wonder if anyone else finds it odd that Kerry was reportedly carrying a large blue suitcase when... ...Read More
    10/24/2023
    I’ve been digging into Kerry Lynelle Johnson’s case and came across something that piqued my... ...Read More
    03/02/2023

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