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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 (MP4087) and 7 other sources
A profound sense of uncertainty surrounds the disappearance of Clarence Wayne Dellis, a 40-year-old man who was last seen in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 25, 1980. Tragically, this day also marked his 40th birthday. Known to some by the nickname Pete, Dellis was a white male with blond hair and green eyes, standing at 5'7" and weighing around 200 pounds. His loved ones have been without answers for decades, left to wonder what became of him after he vanished from the vibrant streets of the Crescent City. The circumstances of his disappearance remain shrouded in mystery, with few clues to illuminate his last known movements. Since that winter day, there has been no contact from him, and his case has grown cold over the passing years.

Adding to the distress of his loved ones, Dellis had several distinguishing physical characteristics that would make him easily identifiable. He had noticeable scars on his forehead, his right hand, and the underside of his forearm. Perhaps most distinctly, his right hand was deformed; the bones were malformed, and his index finger was either missing or had no bones in it. This unique feature, along with his other scars, paints a clearer picture of the man who seemingly vanished without a trace. Shortly after he was last seen, a significant but perplexing discovery was made: his vehicle was found abandoned on a levee. This finding offered no solace or clear answers, instead deepening the mystery and leaving investigators with more questions than answers.

The investigation into the disappearance of Clarence Dellis has spanned multiple jurisdictions, with the Mills County, Texas Sheriff's Department and the Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse taking on the case. Despite the passage of over four decades, his case remains unsolved, a lingering testament to the pain and uncertainty that his family has endured. The lack of resolution is a heavy burden, a story without an ending for those who knew and cared for him. The overview of the case reflects a frustrating lack of information and leads. A man with distinct features and a life inexplicably interrupted, vanished on his birthday, leaving behind only an abandoned vehicle and a series of unanswered questions that continue to echo through the years.

Last Seen: Jan 25, 1980

Possible Unidentified Matches (7)

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.

79%Possible
John Doe — Gramercy, Louisiana - unidentified case UP2151
John Doe — Gramercy, Louisiana
UP2151 • Found Dec 5, 1985
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 40 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 93%38 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
79%Possible
John Doe — New Orleans, Louisiana
UP7377 • Found May 9, 1980
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–49 vs 40
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 3 months after last seen
78%Possible
John Doe — Amite, Louisiana
UP2169 • Found Apr 25, 1986
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 40 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 86%60 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'7"
77%Possible
John Doe — Louisiana
UP14667 • Found Nov 8, 2005
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Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 49–73 vs 40 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 26 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'7"
Weight 90%170 lb vs 200 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
77%Possible
John Doe — Louisiana - unidentified case UP2291
John Doe — Louisiana
UP2291 • Found Aug 28, 1980
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–45 vs 40
Race 100%White
Location 88%55 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 months after last seen
Height 68%5'10" vs 5'7"
75%Possible
John Doe — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
UP14646 • Found Feb 4, 1990
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 40 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 82%75 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 84%5'9" vs 5'7"
Weight 85%165 lb vs 200 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Blond
Eyes 0%Brown vs Green
75%Possible
John Doe — Saint Elmo, Alabama
UP17359 • Found Mar 18, 1985
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 40 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 72%115 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"

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.

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