Joseph Ugalde Sr. Missing Person Case

Apr 19, 2018

Jan 12, 2024

Joseph

Ugalde Sr.

59

42

69 inches

200 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Male

In the autumn of 2008, a family was forever changed when Joseph Rojelio Ugalde Sr., a 42-year-old Native American man, vanished. He was last seen in Sacaton, Arizona, a community within the Gila River Indian Reservation in Pinal County, on November 6, 2008. Standing at five feet nine inches and weighing around 200 pounds, Joseph was a noticeable figure. His appearance was distinguished by his black hair and brown eyes, as well as numerous tattoos that told the story of his life. These included tattoo sleeves on both of his arms, a depiction of the Virgin Mary with "Jo Jo" above it on his back, and a butterfly on the left side of his neck, also with "Jo Jo" inscribed above it. He had other tattoos on his face, right eye, right thigh, right leg, and left finger. Scars marked his left eyebrow, left ear, and left leg, each a silent testament to moments in his past. The circumstances surrounding Joseph's disappearance remain shrouded in mystery, with few details available to the public. On that November day, he was present in Sacaton, and then he was gone. There has been no contact with family or friends since he was last seen, leaving a void of unanswered questions and profound worry. The Gila River Police Department is investigating his case, but the trail has grown cold over the years. His case is classified as endangered missing, a term that underscores the concern for his well-being. The lack of information has made the search for answers incredibly difficult for his loved ones and the authorities. The passage of time has not diminished the hope of finding out what happened to Joseph. His case is a somber reminder of the many individuals who have gone missing from tribal lands, cases that often receive limited public attention. Joseph Rojelio Ugalde Sr. is more than just a name on a missing person's report; he is a father, a son, and a member of a community that has felt his absence for over a decade. The investigation into his disappearance is ongoing, a quiet and persistent effort to bring closure to a family that has waited too long for answers.

Nov 06, 2008

Sacaton

Arizona

Pinal County

Yes

32263

Gila River Police Department

Sacaton

Arizona

Pinal County

85147

639 West Seed Farm Road, Arizona

5205624511

Tribal

Law Enforcement

https://www.gricsafety.org/gila-river-police-department

09015539

Gila River Police Department

na

Black

Brown

Brown

07/31/2026