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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 (MP573) and 9 other sources
In the spring of 1999, a 54-year-old man named Carlo Pfaff disappeared from his home in Columbia, South Carolina, leaving behind a life and a community that held him dear. On March 6th, he was seen for the last time near his residence in the Alpine Forest Mobile Home Park, located on Alpine Road. At the time of his disappearance, Carlo was seen in a dark blue 1987 Chevrolet Astro minivan which had South Carolina license plates with the number CAR 564. Concern grew when he could not be located and did not make contact with anyone, which was out of character for him. This initiated a long and troubling search for answers that has stretched on for years, leaving his loved ones in a state of perpetual uncertainty. The Richland County Sheriff's Department became involved, and an official investigation into his disappearance was launched, marking the beginning of a case that would remain unresolved for decades.

The circumstances surrounding Carlo's disappearance were immediately alarming. When authorities entered his trailer to investigate, they discovered that several of his personal belongings were missing. A television, a radio, and a VCR were all gone from his home, suggesting a possible robbery. However, what was left behind was even more concerning. Carlo had a serious heart condition that required him to take medication frequently. This vital medication was found inside his home, a clear indication that he had not planned to be away for long and that his departure was likely not of his own accord. This detail added a layer of urgency and fear to the investigation, as it was clear that his health was in immediate danger without his necessary medication. He was also known to be legally blind, which further heightened the concern for his well-being. These details painted a grim picture of his last known moments and led investigators to suspect that foul play was involved in his case.

Carlo was a man with distinct features that those who knew him would remember well. He had black hair that was beginning to recede, and brown eyes. Physically, he had a number of scars on his abdomen, chest, and right leg. He also had a notable tattoo of a leopard on his left arm. At the time he went missing, it is believed he was wearing khaki pants. The investigation into his disappearance has been a long and arduous one, with the Richland County Sheriff's Department exploring every possible lead over the years. Despite their efforts, the dark blue Chevrolet Astro minivan he was last seen in has never been located, and no substantial evidence has surfaced to explain what happened to him on that March day. The case remains open, a lingering question in the minds of his family and the community. The overview of the case is a somber one; a man with significant health issues vanished from his home under suspicious circumstances, with personal items stolen and essential medication left behind, suggesting a departure that was both sudden and involuntary.

Last Seen: Mar 6, 1999

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 — Columbia, South Carolina - unidentified case UP13912
John Doe — Columbia, South Carolina
UP13912 • Found Apr 16, 2011
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–55 vs 54 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 12 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
75%Possible
John Doe — Columbia, South Carolina - unidentified case UP83843
John Doe — Columbia, South Carolina
UP83843 • Found Dec 28, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 54 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%2 mi away, same county
TimingFound 22 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–5'7" vs 5'5"

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.