Aleem Zarif Missing Person Case

On a day in early May of 2025, 71-year-old Aleem Zarif was seen for the last time in Newark, New Jersey. The exact date of his disappearance is unclear, contributing to the vagueness surrounding the circumstances of his case. When he vanished, he was wearing a blue and white shirt and blue jeans. Mr. Zarif was experiencing homelessness at the time, but he was a familiar figure in a particular part of the city. He was known to spend his time along Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard, a place where his presence was a regular part of the daily landscape for many. His sudden absence from this familiar route raised concern, prompting a report to be filed with law enforcement.

The investigation into the disappearance of Aleem Zarif was handled by the Newark Police Department's Special Victims Unit. Details about Mr. Zarif were shared in the hope of generating leads from the public. He is described as a Black male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 125 pounds, with brown eyes. The police department initiated a search, but the lack of a fixed address and the transient nature of his life presented significant challenges from the outset. Information about his last known movements was limited, making it difficult for investigators to establish a clear timeline or direction for their search efforts.

The case of Aleem Zarif is a somber illustration of the difficulties that arise when a vulnerable member of the community goes missing. Without a strong network of daily contacts or a consistent place of residence, individuals facing homelessness can disappear with few immediate traces, leaving investigators with a scarcity of information. The overview of this case reflects the unfortunate reality of a 71-year-old man vanishing from the area he frequented, the subsequent investigation by law enforcement, and the lingering uncertainty that remains for a community missing one of its own.
Last Seen: May 1, 2025

Missing Person / NamUs

ZARIF, ALEEM R | Palmer Township Police Department