Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP7860) and 7 other sources
On a rainy afternoon in October of 2005, a 41-year-old male named William Michael Zani, Jr. vanished after his car was found abandoned on the side of a road in Wayne County, New York. Earlier that day, on October 25, 2005, Zani had his gray 2000 Toyota repaired at the Eastview Mall in Victor, New York. By that evening, his vehicle was discovered on Walworth-Ontario Road. Puzzlingly, the car windows were rolled down despite the heavy rain, and the interior was soaked. The vehicle was in working order with three-quarters of a tank of gas. An examination of the odometer revealed that the car had been driven about 25 miles that could not be accounted for, leaving his exact route that day a mystery. A short time after his car was found, a person matching Zani's description was reportedly seen walking south along the road, but he has not been seen or heard from since.

At the time of his disappearance, William Zani, Jr. lived by himself in East Rochester, New York, and was under the supervision of a local group home. He was known to be a bit of a loner with a small circle of friends. Although divorced for two years, he maintained an amicable relationship with his ex-wife, with whom he had two young children. Zani was also anticipating a significant inheritance from his recently deceased mother. He was employed part-time at Pliant Corporation in Macedon, New York. Zani suffered from a mental illness that required medication, and without it, he could become disoriented. However, he was not considered to be a danger to himself or others.

The circumstances surrounding William Zani, Jr.'s disappearance are considered suspicious by investigators. His loved ones insisted that he would not have willingly abandoned his car. His credit card, which he typically used for all his purchases, has not been used since the day he went missing. The New York State Police have continued to investigate his case over the years, seeking assistance from the public for any information regarding his whereabouts. Despite the passage of time, the case remains unsolved, leaving his family and community with unanswered questions about the perplexing events of that autumn day.

Last Seen: Oct 25, 2005

Possible Unidentified Matches (4)

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 — Rochester, New York
UP161609 • Found Jul 8, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–55 vs 41 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%17 mi away, same state
TimingFound 21 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3"–5'9" vs 5'11"
75%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP5231
John Doe — New York, New York
UP5231 • Found Jun 7, 2008
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 41 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 51%237 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%181 lb vs 200 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan - unidentified case UP11702
John Doe — Detroit, Michigan
UP11702 • Found Nov 22, 2007
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–45 vs 41 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 45%298 mi away
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"
Weight 99%179 lb vs 200 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
75%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP5596
John Doe — New York, New York
UP5596 • Found Feb 22, 2006
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 41
Race 100%White
Location 51%237 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 months after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%219 lb vs 200 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.