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Sidney Johnston Missing Person Case

Last seen in Davenport, Iowa on Feb 6, 1990

Victim Details

Feb 23, 2023

Jan 12, 2024

Sidney

Johnston

83

47

74 inches

180 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Feb 6, 1990

Davenport

Iowa

Scott County

52801

No

123380

Davenport Police Department

Davenport

Iowa

Scott County

52803

Richard Niesen

Detective

416 North Harrison Street, Iowa

5633267979

Local

Law Enforcement

1990-2235

Feb 6, 1990

Davenport Police Department

Brown

Hazel

Hazel

Oct 8, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP100555) and 14 other sources
Sidney Edward Johnston, 47, was last seen on January 22, 1990, in Davenport, Iowa. He lived alone in the home he had owned for 28 years. A U.S. Navy veteran and machine operator, Johnston's life took a strange turn in the months before his disappearance. Neighbors noted that a young man and woman began visiting his house frequently, which was unusual as Johnston was not known for having many guests. These visits were often accompanied by arguments, which escalated over time.

In the months leading up to his disappearance, Johnston, who had been frugal and responsible with money, began giving away large sums of cash—reportedly up to $30,000. His financial troubles culminated in legal issues, and he was scheduled to appear in court on January 23, 1990, for charges related to unlawful possession of a bank identification card. However, he vanished the day before, and neither he nor his maroon 1984 Ford Thunderbird has been seen since.

When police investigated his home, they found signs of a possible altercation: holes punched in the walls, a stain that could have been vomit on his bed, and a dish of cat food left behind. His house was unusually messy, and his sudden disappearance has led investigators to suspect foul play. Despite some leads and interviews with the young man and woman involved in the frequent arguments, no one has been charged, and Johnston remains missing to this day.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Davenport Police Department, as his case remains open and unresolved.
Last Seen: Feb 6, 1990

Links to Additional Sources (14)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Sidney Edward Johnston - The Charley Project
  • Vanished QC: 32 years later
  • Sidney Edward Johnston - Missing Person - Iowa Cold Cases
  • SIDNEY EDWARD JOHNSTON - Iowa Missing Person
  • The 1990 disappearance of Sidney Johnston : r/UnresolvedMysteries
  • Sidney Johnston | Davenport
  • 4344DMIA - Sidney Edward Johnston - Doe Network
  • Iowa Cold Cases - Sidney Johnston
  • Police reopen missing man case - Davenport - The Quad-City Times
  • Sid Johnston | International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom
  • Sidney Edward Johnston Sidney, 47, was last seen at work on ...
  • IA - Sidney Edward Johnston, 47, Davenport, 22 Jan 1990
  • Cold Case Spotlight: Sidney Edward Johnston - Apple Podcasts
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP100555

    • 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.

    76%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP129064
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP129064 • Found Mar 7, 1993
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 47 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 65%151 mi away
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 84%6'0" vs 6'2"
    Weight 100%186 lb vs 180 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP129013 • Found Feb 2, 1991
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 47
    Race 100%White
    Location 64%155 mi away
    TimingFound 12 months after last seen
    Height 68%5'11" vs 6'2"
    Weight 100%164 lb vs 180 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Hazel vs Hazel

    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)

    Hey everyone, I've been reading up on Sidney Edward Johnston's case, and something that caught my... ...Read More
    02/09/2023

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