Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP1155) and 8 other sources
In the summer of 2001, a 38-year-old man named Wade Michael Aughney found himself in Yuma, Arizona, a city at the crossroads of the state and the Mexican border. Originally from Pleasant Hill, California, Wade was leading a transient lifestyle at the time. On July 13, 2001, he made a phone call to his family, a contact that would unknowingly become the last time they would ever hear from him. During the conversation, he mentioned that he was staying at a shelter in Yuma and that he had plans to travel to Mexico. This phone call marked the beginning of a long and painful period of uncertainty for his loved ones, as Wade vanished without a trace after that day.

Wade is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing at approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall. One of his distinguishing physical features is a scar on his leg resulting from a dog bite. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to weigh around 160 to 170 pounds. Wade also has a diagnosed medical condition, paranoid schizophrenia, and it is uncertain if he had his necessary medication with him at the time he went missing. His family's concern was undoubtedly amplified by the knowledge of his health needs and the potential vulnerabilities associated with his condition, especially while traveling in an unfamiliar country. The Pleasant Hill Police Department in his hometown took charge of the investigation into his disappearance.

Years have turned into decades, yet the questions surrounding Wade Aughney's fate remain unanswered. His case is a somber reminder of the countless individuals who disappear each year, leaving behind a void of information and a lifetime of 'what ifs' for their families. The mention of his intention to go to Mexico added a layer of complexity to the investigation, expanding the search into an international realm with its own set of challenges. Despite the passage of time, the hope for answers endures. The investigation into what happened to Wade Aughney after his last phone call from Yuma, Arizona, continues, a quiet but persistent effort to bring closure to a family that has waited too long.

Last Seen: Jul 13, 2001

Possible Unidentified Matches (8)

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 — Felicity, California
UP13422 • Found Jan 11, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 38
Race 100%White
Location 100%9 mi away
TimingFound 6 months after last seen
79%Possible
John Doe — Yuma, Arizona
UP2013 • Found Jun 30, 2004
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%3 mi away, same county
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Winterhaven, California - unidentified case UP13113
John Doe — Winterhaven, California
UP13113 • Found Nov 8, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%3 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 68%5'11" vs 6'2"–6'4"
Weight 100%180 lb vs 160–170 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
76%Possible
John Doe — Calexico, California
UP13547 • Found Jul 5, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 38
Race 100%White
Location 89%51 mi away
TimingFound same day as last seen
Height 52%5'10" vs 6'2"–6'4"
Weight 100%180 lb vs 160–170 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Holtville, California - unidentified case UP13224
John Doe — Holtville, California
UP13224 • Found Jul 17, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 91%44 mi away
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 84%6'0" vs 6'2"–6'4"
Weight 84%200 lb vs 160–170 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
76%Possible
John Doe — Winterhaven, California
UP13284 • Found Nov 18, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 25–50 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%3 mi away
TimingFound 16 months after last seen
75%Possible
John Doe — Winterhaven, California - unidentified case UP12611
John Doe — Winterhaven, California
UP12611 • Found Jan 5, 2008
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 96%Est. 45–55 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%3 mi away
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Winterhaven, California
UP12628 • Found Nov 7, 2004
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%3 mi away
TimingFound 3 years after last seen

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.