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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 (MP91628)
Jhonnatan Atencio Pulgarin, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national, went missing on April 15, 2022, near Eagle Pass, Texas. Atencio Pulgarin was attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border via the Rio Grande along with his younger brother, Gustavo. According to reports, their inflatable raft was punctured by border patrol agents, forcing them to jump into the water. The brothers were separated in the chaotic situation. Gustavo managed to reach U.S. soil but Jhonnatan did not resurface after entering the river.

His wife, who remains in Venezuela, has publicly appealed to both U.S. and Mexican authorities to intensify search efforts in the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) area, particularly around Piedras Negras, Mexico, where Jhonnatan was last seen. She described him as wearing jeans, without a shirt, and barefoot at the time of his disappearance. Despite her appeals and her strong belief that he may still be alive, no significant developments have been made in the case since then.

Atencio Pulgarin’s case has drawn attention to the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the border through such treacherous routes, often risking their lives to reach safety or better opportunities in the United States.

Last Seen: Apr 15, 2022

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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.

85%Strong
John Doe — Brackettville, Texas
UP93228 • Found Apr 23, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–35 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 91%42 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 days after last seen
Height 100%5'3"–5'5" vs 5'3"–5'5"
Weight 100%140–170 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
77%Possible
John Doe — Texas - unidentified case UP102339
John Doe — Texas
UP102339 • Found Jan 25, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–38 vs 32
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 52%228 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'3"–5'5"
Weight 100%136 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
75%Possible
John Doe — Texas
UP107455 • Found Aug 8, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 52%227 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 months after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"–5'5"
Weight 76%109 lb vs 140 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
75%Possible
John Doe — Austin, Texas
UP161776 • Found Jul 23, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 32 when missing
Race 100%Hispanic
Location 55%198 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4" vs 5'3"–5'5"
Weight 100%132 lb vs 140 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.