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 (MP74402) and 8 other sources
In the Bronx, New York, a family's Thanksgiving in 2019 was marked by the beginning of a prolonged and sorrowful mystery. On November 28th of that year, 63-year-old Luis Balbuena was last seen at approximately 8:00 PM in front of his home on Colgate Avenue. A Hispanic male standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds, his sudden disappearance left his loved ones with unanswered questions. On the day he went missing, he was reportedly wearing a black jacket, black pants, and black boots. The New York City Police Department was officially notified of his disappearance on January 3, 2020, initiating an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his vanishing from the 43rd Precinct.

The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, with no sign of Luis Balbuena. The initial alert from the NYPD sought the public's help, circulating his description in the hope that someone might have seen something. Despite these efforts, information about his whereabouts remained scarce. The lack of available details regarding the specific circumstances of his disappearance added to the distress of his family and the complexity of the investigation. The case became a quiet but persistent ache for those who knew him, a reminder of a beloved member of their community who was suddenly gone without a trace.

The investigation into Luis Balbuena's disappearance is a somber chronicle of a man who seemingly vanished from his own doorstep. The facts are sparse: he left his residence one evening and did not return. There were no immediate signs of foul play, and no clear indication of where he might have gone. The passage of time has not brought any significant breakthroughs, leaving his case open and the questions surrounding that November evening unanswered. The overview of this case is one of profound and sudden loss, a narrative defined by the absence of a husband, father, or friend, and the enduring hope for a resolution that might bring peace to his family. The New York City Police Department continues to ask for anyone with information to come forward.

Last Seen: Nov 28, 2019

Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

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.

85%Strong
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP84639
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP84639 • Found Aug 21, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 45–70 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%Same area, same state
TimingFound 21 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 100%158 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
85%Strong
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP107787
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP107787 • Found Dec 1, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 12 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 100%148 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
85%Strong
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP76872
John Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP76872 • Found Oct 2, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 45–65 vs 63
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 99%14 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"
Weight 93%130 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
85%Strong
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP156135
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP156135 • Found Feb 11, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 55–65 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'3"
Weight 100%145 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
83%Moderate
John Doe — Manhattan, New York - unidentified case UP97659
John Doe — Manhattan, New York
UP97659 • Found Nov 5, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"
Weight 83%122 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
82%Moderate
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP86658
John Doe — New York, New York
UP86658 • Found Oct 16, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 55–70 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 23 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 92%129 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Black
Eyes 0%Blue vs Black
81%Moderate
John Doe — Elmhurst, New York - unidentified case UP73151
John Doe — Elmhurst, New York
UP73151 • Found Aug 27, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–65 vs 63
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 68%5'0" vs 5'3"
Weight 84%123 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
80%Moderate
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP153127
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP153127 • Found Nov 25, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 81%Est. 50–60 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%2 mi away, same county
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 52%197 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
80%Moderate
John Doe — City of Orange, New Jersey - unidentified case UP156897
John Doe — City of Orange, New Jersey
UP156897 • Found Feb 26, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 94%Est. 48–62 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 97%20 mi away
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 84%5'1" vs 5'3"
Weight 83%178 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
79%Possible
John Doe — Staten Island, New York - unidentified case UP111760
John Doe — Staten Island, New York
UP111760 • Found Oct 26, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 50–90 vs 63 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'3"
Weight 100%154 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 90%Brown vs Black

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.