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Ryan Esparza Missing Person Case

Last seen in Pasadena, Texas on Jun 14, 2007

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Victim Details

Sep 4, 2009

Jan 12, 2024

Ryan

Esparza

36

17

67 inches

68 inches

160 lbs

170 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jun 14, 2007

Pasadena

Texas

Harris County

77502

1559

Pasadena Police Department

Pasadena

Texas

Harris County

77506

Steven Skripka

Sergeant

1201 Davis Street, Texas

7134771221

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.pasadenatx.gov/149/Police-Department

2007-16080

Pasadena Police Department

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 10, 2026


Area Last Seen:

View Videos (1)

The Missing: Where is Ryan Jacob Esparza?

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP2792) and 8 other sources
Ryan Esparza, a 17-year-old from Pasadena, Texas, was last seen on June 14, 2007. On the day of his disappearance, Ryan left his home to meet a friend, Chris Brito, at Highland Park for a casual game of basketball. According to reports, after playing for about 20 minutes, Ryan walked away from the basketball court to take a phone call and never returned. This was the last time anyone saw or heard from him. At the time of his disappearance, Ryan was wearing a white Jordan-brand shirt, blue jeans, or plaid shorts, along with white Jordan sneakers.

Ryan was a student at Pasadena High School and had no history of running away or mental illness, making his disappearance highly unusual. He also left behind a pregnant girlfriend, who gave birth to their child three months after he went missing. Despite this, the case has remained cold with no significant leads, and foul play is suspected, although authorities have paused active investigation efforts due to the lack of new information.

The Pasadena Police Department initially investigated the case, but over the years, the lack of solid evidence has hindered progress. Ryan’s family continues to search for answers, keeping hope alive that someday they will learn what happened to him. His case remains listed as endangered, and organizations like the Charley Project and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children still feature his story in hopes of finding new leads. Ryan's family, especially his mother, has been vocal about the need for more attention on his case, urging the public for any information that could help bring him home.
Last Seen: Jun 14, 2007

Links to Additional Sources (8)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • The Missing: Mother still searching for her son who vanished 16 ...
  • The Disappearance of Ryan Jacob Esparza, Pasadena, Texas | by ...
  • The Missing - What happened to Ryan Esparza? - YouTube
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP2792
  • ON THIS DAY: Missing Ryan Jacob Esparza, Pasedena, Texas
  • The Missing | Houston, Texas | What happened to 17-year-old Ryan ...
  • Ryan Jacob Esparza - The Charley Project
  • Ryan Esparza (@findryanesparza) • Instagram photos and videos

    • 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.

    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP162311
    John Doe — Houston, Texas
    UP162311 • Found Aug 26, 2026
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 86%Est. 38–52 vs 17 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%12 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 19 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"–5'8"
    Weight 78%125 lb vs 160–170 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP3080
    John Doe — Houston, Texas
    UP3080 • Found Jan 18, 2009
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 84%Est. 20–35 vs 17 when missing
    Race 60%Hispanic
    Location 100%8 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 19 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'7"–5'8"
    Weight 100%166 lb vs 160–170 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Cleveland, Texas
    UP11318 • Found Apr 11, 2013
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 15–20 vs 17 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 90%46 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 6 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'5" vs 5'7"–5'8"

    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.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Ryan Esparza was 17 and a student at Pasadena High School when he vanished after a trip to Highland... ...Read More
    06/13/2024

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