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 (MP7696) and 7 other sources
In a case that has spanned decades, the disappearance of John Haywood Barreto remains a quiet mystery. A 35-year-old male from the Lake Oswego, Oregon, area, John was last heard from on January 20, 1977. On that day, his family wired money to him in Miami, Florida, marking the last known contact anyone had with him. This final communication became the starting point of a long and sorrowful journey for his loved ones, a journey with few answers. Prior to his disappearance, John was known to travel aimlessly, particularly in warmer climates, a behavior attributed to mental health challenges that arose after he experimented with LSD while serving in the U.S. Army. He was receiving disability payments at the time, which were deposited into an account his mother could access. He would periodically call her to request that she send him money as he needed it.

John's typical mode of travel was by bus, often using either Trailways or Greyhound to move from place to place. His physical appearance was distinctive. He had brown hair, which he was known to wear in various styles, from a crew cut to long, or even completely shaved. His facial hair was red, and he sometimes wore a full beard. He had clear, bright blue eyes. Standing between 5'9' and 5'11' and weighing around 160 pounds, he had several noticeable scars, including one on his abdomen from an appendectomy, another down his right arm, and a significant scar on the left side of his chest. When it came to his attire, he was often seen in a solid-colored shirt and blue jeans, typically without a belt, and favored loafer-style shoes. He was not known to wear jewelry.

The investigation into John's disappearance is being handled by the Lake Oswego Police Department. Despite the passage of time, the case remains open, a lingering question in the hearts of his family and the community. The circumstances surrounding his last known whereabouts in Miami are vague, and very few details have emerged since 1977. The story of John Barreto is one of a man who, for reasons of his own, wandered and whose journey ultimately led him to a place of silence, leaving behind only memories and the enduring hope for resolution.

Last Seen: Jan 20, 1977

Possible Unidentified Matches (9)

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.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9987
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9987 • Found Jun 6, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 20 years after last seen
Height 84%6'1" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9601
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9601 • Found Oct 1, 1993
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 17 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'9"–5'11"
78%Possible
John Doe — Cannon Beach, Oregon - unidentified case UP10891
John Doe — Cannon Beach, Oregon
UP10891 • Found Sep 10, 1986
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 83%70 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 50%Red vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP10144
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP10144 • Found Jun 4, 2000
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 55–75 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 23 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 100%165 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
75%Possible
John Doe — Vancouver, Washington
UP16250 • Found Jul 22, 1982
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 35 when missing
Location 99%16 mi away
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 100%150 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Oregon City, Oregon - unidentified case UP8058
John Doe — Oregon City, Oregon
UP8058 • Found Apr 20, 2002
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%6 mi away, same county
TimingFound 25 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'9"–5'11"
75%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9989
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9989 • Found Jan 16, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 35 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 21 years after last seen
Height 68%5'6" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 61%115 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
75%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP11909
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP11909 • Found Jul 10, 1995
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 35 when missing
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 100%170 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Gales Creek, Oregon - unidentified case UP11390
John Doe — Gales Creek, Oregon
UP11390 • Found Dec 17, 1977
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 45%Est. 45–70 vs 35
Race 100%White
Location 95%28 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 months after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 5'9"–5'11"
Weight 70%200 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 100%Brown 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.