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Jesus Valdovinos Missing Person Case

Last seen in Seattle, Washington on Apr 18, 1998

Victim Details

Dec 12, 2008

May 30, 2023

Jesus

Valdovinos

47

19

70 inches

145 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Apr 18, 1998

Seattle

Washington

King County

No

6852

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

Bremerton

Washington

,

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

4973

Black

Brown

Brown

Oct 12, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP1020) and 5 other sources
In the pre-dawn hours of April 18, 1998, a 19-year-old U.S. Navy sailor named Jesus Cardoza Valdovinos vanished while on a ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton, Washington. At the time, Valdovinos was an apprentice fireman and engineman striker assigned to the U.S.S. Ranier which was homeported in Bremerton. He was last definitively seen on the ferry sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. The young sailor, known to some by the nickname 'Chewey,' was of Hispanic and White/Caucasian descent, with black hair and brown eyes. He stood at approximately 5'10' and weighed around 145 pounds. The disappearance of this young man, who was just beginning his military career, would leave a void of unanswered questions for his family and investigators.

The circumstances surrounding Jesus Valdovinos's disappearance are shrouded in ambiguity. While he was last seen on the ferry heading towards Bremerton, a crewmember reported a possible sighting of an individual matching his description on the ferry's return trip to Seattle later that same morning. However, it has never been confirmed if this individual was indeed Valdovinos. This tantalizing but unverified detail adds another layer of complexity to an already baffling case. No other credible sightings or reports of his whereabouts have surfaced since that fateful day. The lack of concrete evidence has made it difficult for investigators to piece together the events that transpired during those early morning hours on the Puget Sound.

The investigation into the disappearance of Jesus Valdovinos was handled by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Despite their efforts, the case grew cold over the years, with few leads to follow. Valdovinos, who was born in Arteaga, Mexico, seemingly vanished without a trace, leaving behind a life and a military career. The case remains an unsolved missing persons investigation, a poignant reminder of a young life interrupted. The official narrative is one of a man who embarked on a routine ferry ride and was never seen again, a story that offers no closure to those who knew and loved him. The overview of this case is one of enduring mystery, with the passage of time offering no new insights into what became of the young sailor.
Last Seen: Apr 18, 1998

Links to Additional Sources (5)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Jesus Cardoza Valdovinos - The Charley Project
  • 3417DMWA - Jesus Cardoza Valdovinos - Doe Network
  • Missing Jesus Cardoza Valdovinos age 19 1998 Bremerton, WA 4 ...
  • Jesus Cardoza Valdovinos : r/NotForgotten - Reddit
  • Jesus Jesse Valdovinos

    • 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.

    79%Possible
    John Doe — Issaquah, Washington - unidentified case UP8582
    John Doe — Issaquah, Washington
    UP8582 • Found Jan 15, 2003
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 99%15 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'3"–5'8" vs 5'10"
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Washington
    UP10789 • Found Jun 25, 2007
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 98%17 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 9 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.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    I was recently reading up on the Jesus Valdovinos case and found myself fascinated by the ferry ride... ...Read More
    04/25/2023

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