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Brian Keith Montel Missing Person Case

Last seen in Fresno, California on Mar 21, 1986

Victim Details

Jan 24, 2026

Jan 24, 2026

Brian

Keith Montel

62

22

6'0 inches

160 lbs

Hispanic

Male

Mar 21, 1986

Fresno

California

Fresno

Fresno County Sheriff's Departmen

559-488-3843

Sep 29, 2026

Case Description

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Summary based on 4 sources
Brian Keith Montel, a 22-year-old Hispanic male, was last seen at his home in Fresno, California on March 21, 1986. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. A significant distinguishing characteristic was that his right hand was missing. Montel was also reported to have an unspecified behavior disorder.

On the day he went missing, Montel was at his residence. He reportedly spoke to his sister at 10:30 pm and may have been heading to Yosemite. After this last contact, he was never heard from again, and few details were initially available regarding the circumstances of his disappearance. His case was classified as an endangered missing person.

For decades, Montel's whereabouts remained unknown. However, a significant development in the case occurred in 2024. Skeletal remains that were discovered below the northwest face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in July 1987 were officially identified as belonging to Brian Keith Montel. His family was notified of the identification in late March 2024, bringing a long-awaited, albeit somber, conclusion to their search. Family members have expressed both relief at finally having closure and frustration regarding the 37-year period it took to identify the remains, despite dental and DNA information being available.
Last Seen: Mar 21, 1986

Links to Additional Sources (4)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Brian Keith Montel - The Charley Project
  • Brian Montel - International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom
  • CA - Brian Keith Montel, 22, Fresno, 21 March 1986 | Websleuths
  • Brian Keith Montel | State of California - Department of Justice

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (4)

    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.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Escondido, California - unidentified case UP127232
    John Doe — Escondido, California
    UP127232 • Found Jul 13, 1987
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 22 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 75%Same state
    TimingFound 16 months after last seen
    Weight 100%161 lb vs 160 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Jose, California
    UP109334 • Found Jun 5, 1987
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–25 vs 22 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 75%Same state
    TimingFound 15 months after last seen
    Weight 95%140 lb vs 160 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Marcos, California
    UP62417 • Found Apr 9, 1987
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 17–25 vs 22 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 75%Same state
    TimingFound 13 months after last seen
    Weight 95%140 lb vs 160 lb
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Ysidro, California - unidentified case UP137782
    John Doe — San Ysidro, California
    UP137782 • Found Aug 13, 1987
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 22 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 75%Same state
    TimingFound 17 months after last seen
    Weight 100%151 lb vs 160 lb

    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 (2)

    Has anyone else found the whole timeline of when Brian's remains were found versus when they were... ...Read More
    06/10/2025
    I came across this case recently and something stood out to me. I find it puzzling that despite the... ...Read More
    01/09/2025

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