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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 (MP9418) and 6 other sources
Mary Jo Thompson, commonly known as Mary Thompson, was a 33‑year‑old white female last seen on **August 24, 1980**, in **Lufkin, Texas**. At the time of her disappearance, she reportedly had **no permanent residence**, frequently staying with various friends and acquaintances in the Lufkin area.

In terms of physical description, she was approximately **5′0″ to 5′1″ tall** and weighed around **110 pounds**. Her hair was brown—often permed—and her eyes were green. She had multiple **distinctive scars**: one on her eyebrow, one on the bridge of her nose, another on her upper lip, an appendectomy scar, and a Cesarean‑section scar on her abdomen. She had pierced ears, had undergone surgery for ingrown toenails when young, and typically wore artificial fingernails in 1980.

Records indicate that Mary had a criminal history, including arrests for **selling crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine**, which may have contributed to her transient lifestyle. The combination of substance‑related activity and lack of a fixed address made information about her movements in the final weeks before she vanished especially sparse.

Investigatively, both the **Lufkin Police Department** and the **Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department** were involved. Notably, CASE # 008‑00921‑2699‑400 was assigned by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide bureau, suggesting cross‑jurisdictional interest possibly due to ties she might have had in California. She was also registered in NamUs as MP9418, although public NamUs entries are minimal, and many case specifics remain withheld or limited.

Despite being missing for over four decades, Mary Thompson’s case remains **unsolved**. No confirmed sightings or credible leads have emerged since August 24, 1980, and investigators have noted that few details are known beyond the basic descriptors and circumstances of her disappearance.

On forums such as Websleuths and Crimewatchers, users have discussed possible connections, unsubmitted tips, and potential unidentified decedent matches. However, none have resulted in confirmed resolution. Websleuths contributors have confirmed that DNA is listed as available in NamUs, yet no matches to any unidentified remains have been made public. One community discussion noted:

> “Mary Jo has an arrest record for selling crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine… Thompson has never been heard from again. Few details are available in her case.”

In summary, Mary Jo Thompson disappeared without trace from Lufkin, Texas on August 24, 1980. She had a background of substance‑related offenses and led a transient lifestyle. She had multiple distinguishing physical scars and was known to law enforcement in multiple states, yet her whereabouts have remained unknown. Her case continues to be open and reviewed by relevant authorities, with DNA on file, but as of now no confirmed resolution has been achieved.

Last Seen: Aug 24, 1980

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

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.

77%Possible
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP2632
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas
UP2632 • Found Aug 12, 1985
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 33 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 72%115 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'1" vs 5'1"
Weight 85%129 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Green
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Texas
UP17633 • Found Nov 27, 1981
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 33 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 72%115 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'1"
Weight 38%150 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Green
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas
UP991 • Found Apr 5, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 33 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 72%115 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 100%5'0" vs 5'1"
Weight 82%89 lb vs 110 lb
Hair 50%Red vs Brown

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.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.