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 (MP793) and 19 other sources
Molly Dattilo, a 23-year-old college student, was last seen on July 6, 2004, in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time of her disappearance, Molly was living with her brother while taking summer courses at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Originally from Madison, Indiana, Molly was an accomplished student and athlete, known for her academic excellence and participation in track and field at Eastern Kentucky University. She was also preparing to audition for *American Idol* later that summer.

On the day of her disappearance, Molly dropped off a job application at a local Wendy’s and made various preparations for school and personal projects. Later that evening, around 11:00 p.m., she placed a call to a friend from a payphone at a Thornton's gas station, but the call was abruptly disconnected. This would be the last time anyone heard from her. When her brother realized she hadn’t returned home by July 8, he reported her missing. All of Molly’s personal belongings, including her phone, identification, and bank cards, were found at her brother’s apartment, leading to suspicions of foul play.

John Shelton, a man she met through mutual friends, was the last known person to have been with her. They reportedly went on a boat ride and had dinner together before visiting the gas station. In 2010, Molly’s family won a civil suit against Shelton and his father, who were found liable for her wrongful death, though no criminal charges were filed due to lack of evidence. Molly was declared legally dead in 2017, but her case remains unsolved, and authorities continue to treat it as a homicide investigation.

Last Seen: Jul 6, 2004

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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
Jane Doe — Shively, Kentucky - unidentified case UP74
Jane Doe — Shively, Kentucky
UP74 • Found Jul 22, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 23 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 73%111 mi away
TimingFound 13 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'0"–5'1"
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.