Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP76725) and 8 other sources
Dane Elkins, a 21-year-old UC Santa Cruz engineering student and accomplished racquetball champion, was last seen on December 14, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Elkins had been struggling with mental health issues, including paranoia, and his family believes the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to his distress. In the days leading up to his disappearance, Elkins' behavior became increasingly erratic.

On December 20, his car was found abandoned near the I-5 Freeway in Castaic, California, with flat tires. His wallet, cellphone, and laptop were still inside the vehicle, but Elkins was nowhere to be found. Search efforts in the area yielded no further clues, and Elkins has not been seen since.

Over the following months, there were possible sightings of Elkins in various locations, including Bakersfield and Mojave, California. Witnesses reported seeing him traveling on foot and possibly heading toward Oregon. Despite these leads, his whereabouts remain unknown, and his family continues to search for answers, holding onto hope that he will be found safe.

If anyone has information about Dane Elkins' disappearance, they are urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department or local authorities.

Last Seen: Dec 14, 2020

Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

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.

82%Moderate
John Doe — Hermosa Beach, California
UP92868 • Found May 14, 2022
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Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 21–44 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%16 mi away, same county
TimingFound 17 months after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%150–175 lb vs 170 lb
78%Possible
John Doe — North Hollywood, California
UP122468 • Found May 18, 2024
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Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 18–36 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%13 mi away, same county
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 41%90–110 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Green
76%Possible
Unidentified Person — Los Angeles, California
UP163208 • Found Sep 1, 2026
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Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%2 mi away, same county
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 75%5'2"–5'10" vs 5'11"
76%Possible
John Doe — Marina del Rey, California
UP163485 • Found Sep 7, 2026
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 21 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 99%13 mi away, same county
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7"–5'9" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%170–180 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP101862
John Doe — Los Angeles, California
UP101862 • Found Jan 13, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 21–50 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%8 mi away, same county
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 75%5'5"–6'1" vs 5'11"
Weight 66%100–125 lb vs 170 lb
Hair 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.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.