Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP80881) and 5 other sources
In the summer of 2019, concern grew for the well-being of 37-year-old James C. Lyles in Lake Station, Indiana. He was last seen on August 13, 2019, at approximately 1:00 p.m. On that day, James walked away from his residence and has not been in contact with family or friends since. When he was last seen, he was wearing a black t-shirt and black sweatpants. Authorities and his loved ones began to worry as time passed with no word from him. The official date of his last contact is listed as August 18, 2019. His case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in June of 2021.

James is described as a Black / African American male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds. He has brown hair, which is described as balding, and brown eyes. When he went missing, it was noted that he walks with the assistance of a cane and is mute. These details were shared widely in the hopes that someone might recognize him and provide information about his whereabouts. Law enforcement expressed that he was believed to be in extreme danger and might be in need of medical assistance, leading to the issuance of a Silver Alert.

The circumstances surrounding James's disappearance suggest that he left his home of his own accord. There is a possibility that he could be living a transient lifestyle, potentially in the Chicago, Illinois area. Despite the passage of time, the search for answers continues. The Lake Station Police Department is the investigating agency for his case, and they have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. The lack of any significant updates or leads has left his family and community with many unanswered questions, hoping for a resolution to his case.

Last Seen: Aug 18, 2019

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.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Maywood, Illinois
UP80363 • Found Nov 7, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 37 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 96%26 mi away
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'5"–5'11" vs 5'8"
80%Moderate
John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
UP60200 • Found Aug 15, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 78%Est. 40–55 vs 37
Race 100%Black
Location 100%11 mi away
TimingFound same day as last seen
Height 100%5'6"–6'0" vs 5'8"
77%Possible
John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
UP84418 • Found Jun 10, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 37 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 99%15 mi away
TimingFound 22 months after last seen
Height 75%5'6"–6'1" vs 5'8"
Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
UP131092 • Found Oct 6, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 81%Est. 45–60 vs 37 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 97%23 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 75%5'7"–6'3" vs 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.