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Crime Solvers Central
302 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 (MP97867) and 7 other sources
In the early morning hours of November 18, 2021, 22-year-old Daryl Smith Jr. was last seen by his sister, Latisha Coleman, in East St. Louis, Illinois. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing black jeans, a black T-shirt, and red Nike slides. Known also by the nickname 'Lil Daryl,' his family and friends have not had any contact with him since that day. Concern grew, and on November 26, 2021, his loved ones officially reported him missing to the East St. Louis Police Department. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, and the lack of communication is reportedly out of character for him.

As the days turned into weeks with no word from Daryl, the investigation into his disappearance intensified. On December 6, 2021, the Illinois State Police's Public Safety Enforcement Group was requested to take the lead in the investigation. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, details about what happened to Daryl after he was last seen by his sister have been scarce. The police have not released extensive information regarding the case, leaving his family and community searching for answers. The emotional toll on his family is immense as they continue to hope for his safe return while grappling with the uncertainty of his whereabouts.

The Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis Police Department have urged the public to come forward with any information that could be helpful in locating Daryl Smith Jr. They have asked anyone with knowledge of his disappearance to contact the Public Safety Enforcement Group at 618-389-3990 or 618-346-3555. The case remains an active missing persons investigation, a painful and unresolved situation for his family and friends. The overview of this case is one of a sudden and troubling disappearance, with a young man vanishing without a trace, leaving his loved ones in a state of perpetual worry and a community concerned for his well-being.

Last Seen: Nov 18, 2021

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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 — Chicago, Illinois
UP143615 • Found Feb 20, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–32 vs 22 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 50%251 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 49%135 lb vs 200 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

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.