Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 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 (MP106457) and 8 other sources
John Root Fitzpatrick, a 52-year-old man from Morongo Valley, California, was last seen on July 22, 2023. He was reported missing by a friend on July 30, after failing to return from a trip with Fang Jin, a woman he had met online. Fitzpatrick, a former Navy SEAL, had been corresponding with Jin for several months before she flew from China to California. The pair embarked on a tour of the Morongo Basin area, including Joshua Tree National Park, but they mysteriously disappeared after July 22.

Fitzpatrick was last seen driving a blue Toyota Tacoma, which was later found abandoned with flat tires in Harper Canyon, part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. On September 17, 2023, skeletal remains believed to be Fitzpatrick's were found near the truck. Authorities later confirmed the identity of the remains, though details about his death remain unclear. Further remains, identified as those of Fang Jin, were discovered in the same area in October 2023. The circumstances surrounding their deaths continue to be investigated.

Fitzpatrick's disappearance and death have raised numerous questions, and authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of death for either individual. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the case.

Last Seen: Jul 22, 2023

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

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 — San Bernardino, California - unidentified case UP109440
John Doe — San Bernardino, California
UP109440 • Found Aug 8, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 19–59 vs 52
Race 100%White
Location 92%39 mi away, same county
TimingFound 2 weeks after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
Weight 100%201 lb vs 185 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
77%Possible
John Doe — San Diego, California - unidentified case UP133256
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP133256 • Found Nov 3, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 52 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%96 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'8"
Weight 55%129 lb vs 185 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — San Diego, California
UP110722 • Found Aug 19, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 84%Est. 40–50 vs 52
Race 100%White
Location 77%92 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 weeks after last seen
Height 100%5'8"–5'9" vs 5'8"

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.