Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP176) and 3 other sources
On a spring evening in Memphis, Tennessee, 53-year-old James Joseph Thompson walked out of his residence and into a mystery that has now spanned two decades. He was last seen on May 4, 2006, at approximately 9:00 p.m., leaving his home in the 2500 block of Sunnyhill Drive on foot. From that moment on, he seemingly vanished, and there has been no contact with him since. At the time of his disappearance, Thompson was described as a Black male, standing at 5'9" and weighing around 140 pounds. He had black, balding hair and brown eyes. His physical appearance was also marked by several distinguishing characteristics, including having an artificial glass eye and missing numerous teeth.

The circumstances surrounding James Thompson's disappearance are particularly concerning due to his medical condition. Thompson is diabetic and may have been in need of his medication at the time he went missing, classifying his case as one of an endangered missing person. This vulnerability adds a layer of urgency to the search for answers. Despite the passage of time, the investigation conducted by the Memphis Police Department has yielded few clues about what might have happened to him after he left his home that night. The lack of information has left his family and community with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.

The case of James Joseph Thompson remains an unsolved and open investigation. With very few details available, law enforcement continues to seek any information that could lead to a breakthrough. The abrupt and quiet nature of his disappearance has left a void in the lives of those who knew him. The overview of this case is one of a sudden and unexplained absence. A man with a known medical condition leaves his home for a walk and is never heard from again, leaving behind a mystery that has endured for years with no clear answers or direction. The Memphis Police Department continues to ask for the public's help with any information regarding the whereabouts of James Joseph Thompson.

Last Seen: May 4, 2006

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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.

77%Possible
John Doe — Memphis, Tennessee
UP17552 • Found Feb 22, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 45–65 vs 53 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%11 mi away, same county
TimingFound 12 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8"–6'0" vs 5'8"–5'10"
76%Possible
John Doe — Little Rock, Arkansas
UP7436 • Found Jun 1, 2010
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 72%Est. 25–50 vs 53 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 69%130 mi away
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'8"–5'10"
Weight 99%160 lb vs 140–145 lb
Hair 100%Black 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.