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 (MP38703) and 4 other sources
In the spring of 1989, a profound sense of worry settled over a family in Brooklyn, New York. On May 15th, 80-year-old Frank Schnuering, also known as Franz, walked out of his home near Avenue X and Ocean Avenue and vanished. At the time of his disappearance, Frank, a male standing at 6 feet tall and weighing between 165 and 175 pounds, was living with Alzheimer's disease. This condition likely played a significant role in him becoming disoriented and lost after leaving his residence. The day he went missing, he was dressed in a tan or beige coat with a fur collar, brown pants, a grey cap, and black shoes. He had white hair, gray eyes, and a mustache. He also had a scar on his shoulder and was carrying a black or brown wallet.

The circumstances surrounding Frank's disappearance are made all the more concerning by the fact that he was reportedly carrying a substantial amount of cash, approximately $1,400, when he was last seen. His diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease meant he was particularly vulnerable, as the condition can cause confusion, memory loss, and a diminished ability to recognize familiar surroundings. Despite the efforts of his family and the New York City Police Department, the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into years, with no sign of Frank. The lack of witnesses or any leads has left his loved ones with unanswered questions and a sense of unresolved loss.

The investigation into Frank Schnuering's whereabouts has remained open for decades, a testament to the enduring hope of his family and the diligence of law enforcement. His case is classified as an endangered missing person, a reflection of his advanced age and medical condition at the time he disappeared. Over the years, there have been no significant developments or new information to shed light on what might have happened to him after he walked away from his home that day in May. The passage of time has only deepened the mystery, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. The case serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and the profound impact a person's disappearance can have on a community.

Last Seen: May 15, 1989

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.

81%Moderate
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP6121
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP6121 • Found Apr 18, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 65–85 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%9 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 100%6'1" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%154 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 70%Blue vs Gray
81%Moderate
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP9756
John Doe — New York, New York
UP9756 • Found Jul 15, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 73%Est. 55–75 vs 80
Race 100%White
Location 100%4 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 months after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%185 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 70%Blue vs Gray
80%Moderate
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP7499
John Doe — New York, New York
UP7499 • Found Sep 3, 1991
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 73%Est. 55–75 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%4 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%180 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 0%Brown vs Gray
78%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP8008
John Doe — New York, New York
UP8008 • Found Nov 19, 1993
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 73%Est. 55–75 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%4 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 6'0"
Weight 16%90 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Gray vs Gray
78%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP7958
John Doe — New York, New York
UP7958 • Found Mar 13, 1993
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 60–80 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%4 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 68%5'9" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%170 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 0%Brown vs Gray
78%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP8204
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP8204 • Found May 12, 1990
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 20–80 vs 80
Race 100%White
Location 100%9 mi away, same state
TimingFound 12 months after last seen
Height 100%6'1" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%181 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
78%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP8155
John Doe — New York, New York
UP8155 • Found Jan 1, 1990
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 70–90 vs 80
Race 100%White
Location 100%4 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 52%5'8" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%165 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 0%Brown vs Gray
77%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP6009
John Doe — New York, New York
UP6009 • Found Dec 18, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 55–80 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%154 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 0%Brown vs Gray
77%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP6945
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP6945 • Found Jun 18, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 74%Est. 60–75 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%9 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 68%5'9" vs 6'0"
Weight 94%143 lb vs 165–175 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 70%Blue vs Gray
77%Possible
John Doe — Staten Island, New York - unidentified case UP8343
John Doe — Staten Island, New York
UP8343 • Found Mar 11, 1992
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 20–80 vs 80 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%13 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%190 lb vs 165–175 lb

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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