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 (MP9090) and 6 other sources
Demetrius Elder, a 20-year-old male, went missing on September 27, 1997, from Dallas, Texas. He was last seen at a residence on Dryden Avenue, accompanied by a friend named Demerick Walker. The two men left together in Elder's pickup truck, which was later found abandoned in Lancaster, Texas. Elder, who had recently received a $30,000 settlement from a West Dallas smelter due to lead contamination, was planning to invest the money into starting a business promoting rap music.

Following his disappearance, there were several troubling signs. A safety deposit box at his residence was discovered empty, suggesting that he may have been robbed. Family members believe that someone close to Elder may have taken advantage of his newly acquired funds. Several weeks later, his brother received a threatening phone call from an unidentified individual, warning that he would end up dead like Elder if he continued to "mess with" the caller's business. This fueled suspicions that foul play was involved in Elder's disappearance.

Despite investigations, Elder's case remains unsolved, with his family continuing to seek answers and justice. Police suspect foul play, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his financial situation and the threatening phone call. Demetrius Elder's case remains classified as endangered missing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

Last Seen: Sep 27, 1997

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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 — Dallas, Texas
UP1518 • Found Oct 13, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 19–30 vs 20 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%Same area, same county
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
75%Possible
John Doe — Farmers Branch, Texas
UP72572 • Found Jun 17, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 42–59 vs 20 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 100%12 mi away, same county
TimingFound 23 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'10"

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.