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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 (MP79962) and 1 other source
In the spring of 1998, a sudden and troubling mystery began to unfold in the small community of New Sarpy, Louisiana, with the disappearance of 28-year-old Earl Austin. On what was reported to be the first of May, Earl was seen getting into a white Mercedes already occupied by two other men. This would be the last time he was seen by anyone who knew him. The details surrounding this final sighting are sparse, leaving his loved ones with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss that would stretch on for decades. The report of his disappearance was filed with the Saint Charles Parish Sheriff's Office a few days later, but the trail had already grown cold.

In the years that followed, the investigation into Earl Austin's whereabouts yielded very little information. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the identities of the two men in the white Mercedes and the reason for Earl's departure with them remained elusive. The case was eventually classified as a cold case, a silent testament to the passage of time and the lack of new leads. Earl was described as being between 5'5' and 5'6' tall, weighing around 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. A distinctive scar on his forehead was a notable physical feature. His case has been entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System a national database for missing persons, in the hope that it might generate new information.

The disappearance of Earl Austin has left a void in the lives of his family and friends. The abrupt nature of his last known moments, climbing into a stranger's car on an ordinary day, has fueled years of speculation and heartache. The lack of resolution has made the grieving process an ongoing and painful journey. The overview of the case is one of frustratingly few details: a young man, a white car, and two unidentified individuals. With no further evidence or witnesses stepping forward, the circumstances of that day in May 1998 remain a mystery, and the search for answers continues for a family still waiting for closure.

Last Seen: May 1, 1998

Links to Additional Sources (1)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (6)

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.

83%Moderate
John Doe — Louisiana - unidentified case UP2131
John Doe — Louisiana
UP2131 • Found Oct 1, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 22–28 vs 28
Race 100%Black
Location 98%19 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 months after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'5"–5'6"
82%Moderate
John Doe — Louisiana - unidentified case UP855
John Doe — Louisiana
UP855 • Found Mar 6, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–38 vs 28 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 98%19 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"–5'6"
81%Moderate
John Doe — Belle Chasse, Louisiana - unidentified case UP54169
John Doe — Belle Chasse, Louisiana
UP54169 • Found Dec 1, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 28 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 95%27 mi away, same state
TimingFound 21 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7" vs 5'5"–5'6"
Weight 100%165 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
81%Moderate
John Doe — LaPlace, Louisiana
UP2092 • Found Jul 15, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 18–40 vs 28
Race 100%Black
Location 100%8 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"–5'6"
76%Possible
John Doe — Mississippi
UP4683 • Found Sep 4, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 28 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 72%116 mi away
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 68%5'9" vs 5'5"–5'6"
Weight 100%165 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
75%Possible
John Doe — Reserve, Louisiana - unidentified case UP76537
John Doe — Reserve, Louisiana
UP76537 • Found Jul 3, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–55 vs 28 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 99%13 mi away, same state
TimingFound 22 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'10" vs 5'5"–5'6"

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.

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