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298 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 (MP86790) and 11 other sources
In the late hours of a September evening, a young man named Corey Tahj Kelly was seen for the last time in North Charleston, South Carolina. On September 11, 2017, the 19-year-old reportedly had an argument and left his mother's residence on Windsor Hill Boulevard around 10:00 p.m. His intention was to stay with his sister, and while he did arrive at her home, he departed shortly thereafter, vanishing into the night. In the days that followed, his family held onto hope that he would return or make contact, but as time stretched on with no word, a growing sense of dread began to set in. This prolonged silence was deeply uncharacteristic of Corey, who was not known to leave without warning or cease communication with his loved ones. His family's concern ultimately led them to officially report him as a missing person on September 25, 2017.

The investigation into Corey's disappearance brought to light several concerning details. Authorities learned that Corey had a history of mental health challenges and had struggled with drug abuse. A significant and heart-wrenching detail in Corey's story is that he had become a father just ten days before he went missing. His family strongly believes that he would not have willingly abandoned his newborn daughter, a sentiment that adds a layer of tragedy and urgency to his case. In a perplexing turn of events, investigators were able to trace his cell phone to Florida after he was last seen, but this lead did not bring them any closer to finding him. Despite this electronic footprint, there was no concrete evidence to suggest that Corey himself had traveled to Florida.

The passage of time has not brought any answers or closure for Corey Kelly's family. He is described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing around six feet tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds at the time he went missing. He has distinctive tattoos on both of his arms, including a sleeve on one forearm. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants, and black shoes. The authorities have stated they do not believe Corey left on his own accord, and his family fears that he may no longer be alive. The case remains unsolved, a painful and lingering mystery for all who know and love him. The overview of the case is a sad one, a young father who disappeared leaving behind a family desperate for answers. The initial anger that led to him leaving home has been overshadowed by years of uncertainty and grief.

Last Seen: Sep 25, 2017

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.

77%Possible
John Doe — Charleston, South Carolina - unidentified case UP77018
John Doe — Charleston, South Carolina
UP77018 • Found Dec 29, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 17–21 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 99%15 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
77%Possible
John Doe — Ridgeland, South Carolina
UP160799 • Found Mar 7, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 86%60 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 5'11"

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.