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 (MP34857) and 8 other sources
William Patterson, a 52-year-old businessman from El Paso, Texas, was last seen on March 5, 1957. Patterson and his wife, Margaret, vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind their home in disarray. Their disappearance baffled investigators from the start, as there were no clear signs of their intentions to leave for an extended period. The Pattersons had not arranged to stop their mail, newspaper deliveries, or utilities, and even left behind their beloved cat, Tommy. William ran a photography supply business in El Paso, and he and Margaret were well-known in the community.

Shortly after their disappearance, a strange telegram was sent from Dallas on March 15, 1957, purportedly from William, instructing his accountant to manage his business affairs and rent out the couple's home. However, it raised suspicions because the message was sent via phone call, and William's middle initial in the signature was incorrect. Furthermore, later investigations uncovered conflicting information. One of William's associates, Reynaldo Nangaray, came forward in the 1980s, claiming he found blood and a piece of human scalp in William’s garage after their disappearance, although this has never been fully verified.

The case remains unsolved, with numerous theories ranging from foul play to the possibility that the couple left voluntarily. Sightings of the Pattersons were reported in Mexico, but none were confirmed. The case went cold, and despite being declared legally dead in 1964, no concrete evidence has surfaced to explain their fate.

Last Seen: Mar 5, 1957

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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.

76%Possible
John Doe — Texas
UP3806 • Found Apr 17, 1993
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 84%Est. 40–50 vs 52 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%17 mi away, same county
TimingFound 36 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 95%225 lb vs 200 lb
Hair 70%Blond vs Gray

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.