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 (MP6506) and 8 other sources
Cesilia Pena, a 14-year-old girl from New York City, was last seen on October 6, 1976. A student at St. Alphonsus Commercial High School in Manhattan, Pena disappeared while returning home from school. Witnesses reported seeing her near the 157th Street subway station in Washington Heights, but she never arrived home that day. Despite a police investigation, no clear leads or suspects were identified early on.

Cesilia’s family immediately feared foul play, especially as it was unusual for her to be out of contact. Over the years, her case grew cold, but investigators continued to revisit the case, believing there might be a connection to criminal activity in the area or possibly a serial offender.

Law enforcement and her family have never stopped searching for answers, holding onto hope that her case will be solved. Numerous attempts to revive the investigation, including public appeals for information, have been made, but as of today, her disappearance remains unsolved. Cesilia’s case has become one of New York City’s most enduring cold cases, and her family continues to seek closure.

Last Seen: Oct 6, 1976

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.

77%Possible
Jane Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP79882
Jane Doe — New York, New York
UP79882 • Found Apr 18, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 55–70 vs 14 when missing
Race 60%White
Location 100%5 mi away, same county
TimingFound 45 years after last seen
Height 100%4'10" vs 4'9"
Weight 100%101 lb vs 111 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP6954
Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP6954 • Found Oct 11, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 14 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 100%9 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 36%5'2" vs 4'9"
Weight 77%135 lb vs 111 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP6119
Jane Doe — Queens, New York
UP6119 • Found Mar 17, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 14 when missing
Race 60%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 22 years after last seen
Height 84%4'11" vs 4'9"
Weight 100%118 lb vs 111 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Sayville, New York
UP11852 • Found Mar 8, 1992
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 25–39 vs 14 when missing
Race 60%White
Location 90%47 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 84%4'11" vs 4'9"
Weight 88%93 lb vs 111 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 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.