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 (MP11849) and 4 other sources
David Allen Dunaway, 29, was last seen on May 10, 1981, in Houston, Texas. At the time of his disappearance, Dunaway was working as a drywall contractor. According to reports, he was paranoid and carrying a sawed-off shotgun wrapped in a paper bag when he was last seen. David had a history of drug use, which may have contributed to his behavior. His family found it highly uncharacteristic for him to vanish without notifying them, especially considering he had a wife and two young sons.

David's disappearance remains a mystery, and few details have emerged since he was last seen. He had distinguishing features, including a metal plate in his jaw and wore prescription eyeglasses. His case is considered endangered, but despite extensive investigations, his whereabouts remain unknown. His case is being handled by the Houston Police Department.
Last Seen: May 10, 1981

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 — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP4621
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP4621 • Found Jul 16, 1981
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 29
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 2 months after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 93%170 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
83%Moderate
John Doe — New Caney, Texas
UP103960 • Found Sep 30, 1982
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 95%29 mi away, same state
TimingFound 17 months after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 6'0"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
83%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP12728 • Found Jul 18, 1991
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same county
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 91%172 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP3616 • Found Jan 24, 1998
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 17 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 73%115 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
81%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP2180
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP2180 • Found Oct 2, 1988
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Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%137 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
81%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP4581
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP4581 • Found Sep 27, 1983
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 68%5'9" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
81%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP1411 • Found Nov 14, 1982
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
81%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP4602
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP4602 • Found Jun 1, 1982
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 13 months after last seen
Height 52%5'8" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%155 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
81%Moderate
John Doe — Texas
UP4617 • Found Aug 28, 1981
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 29
Race 100%White
Location 77%91 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 months after last seen
Height 100%6'1" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
80%Moderate
John Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP3646
John Doe — Houston, Texas
UP3646 • Found Jul 6, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 16 years after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%143 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel

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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