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 (MP33282) and 6 other sources
Norma Louise Houghland, age 27, disappeared on July 15, 1978, along with her two young sons, Richard (8) and Thomas (6), from Sacramento, California. The family was last seen leaving a relative's home in Sacramento, believed to be returning to their apartment. At the time of their disappearance, Norma drove a light blue or gold 1965 Pontiac LeMans, which has never been recovered.

Their disappearance wasn't discovered until a week later when concerned relatives checked their apartment. Inside, everything appeared normal, with all their belongings intact, including the children’s bicycles, an uncashed welfare check, and even some dishes left in the sink. The family had no air conditioning at home, and it was not unusual for Norma to take her children on drives during hot weather to stay cool. It is believed they may have gone on such a drive the day they vanished.

Despite investigations, there have been no significant leads, and the family's car remains missing. Norma had a history of depression and suicide attempts, but no definitive evidence has emerged linking this to the disappearance. To this day, the case remains unsolved.

Last Seen: Jul 15, 1978

Possible Unidentified Matches (9)

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.

80%Moderate
Jane Doe — California - unidentified case UP17572
Jane Doe — California
UP17572 • Found Oct 30, 1980
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 18–27 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 88%55 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%5'0"–5'5" vs 5'5"
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
77%Possible
Jane Doe — Nevada City, California - unidentified case UP85674
Jane Doe — Nevada City, California
UP85674 • Found Jul 8, 1984
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 87%58 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 75%5'0"–5'8" vs 5'5"
Hair 100%Blond vs Blond
77%Possible
Jane Doe — California
UP2361 • Found Feb 10, 2005
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Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%8 mi away, same county
TimingFound 27 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3" vs 5'5"
Weight 90%115 lb vs 135 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Newark, California - unidentified case UP53306
Jane Doe — Newark, California
UP53306 • Found Oct 24, 1985
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 82%74 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–5'8" vs 5'5"
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
76%Possible
Jane Doe — San Francisco, California
UP5906 • Found Jan 7, 1985
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 83%71 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"
Weight 83%110 lb vs 135 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
76%Possible
Jane Doe — San Francisco, California
UP5857 • Found Feb 20, 1979
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 77%Est. 14–25 vs 27
Race 100%White
Location 83%71 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 months after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Weight 80%162 lb vs 135 lb
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Sacramento, California
UP2389 • Found May 22, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same county
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"
Weight 7%71 lb vs 135 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Sacramento, California - unidentified case UP12981
Jane Doe — Sacramento, California
UP12981 • Found Nov 29, 1986
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 68%Est. 40–60 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same county
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%134 lb vs 135 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Healdsburg, California - unidentified case UP11808
Jane Doe — Healdsburg, California
UP11808 • Found Jan 24, 1983
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 27 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 82%74 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'5"
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond

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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