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 (MP78586) and 4 other sources
On March 7, 2019, 36-year-old William 'Will' Joseph Murphy walked away from his residence in Chesterfield, Missouri, and vanished. In the weeks that followed his disappearance, there were several reported sightings of him in March and April of 2019 in the downtown St. Louis area. These sightings placed him near prominent landmarks, including the Gateway Arch and the Amtrak/MetroLink transit center, suggesting he may have been utilizing public transportation. His family described him as a kind and gentle person.

Will is a man of routine and intellectual pursuits, known to frequent used record and book stores. His life was not one of modern connectivity; he did not use email, social media, credit cards, or a cell phone, making it incredibly difficult to trace his movements through digital footprints. This lack of a digital trail has been a significant challenge in the investigation. He has strong ties to the Syracuse, New York area, specifically to Syracuse University, where he dedicated many years to the history department, earning both a Master's degree and a Ph.D. It is believed that he still has friends and colleagues in that area.

The investigation into Will's disappearance has been complex. The Chesterfield Police Department has explored various leads, including the possibility that he might have traveled to the Syracuse area. Despite the initial sightings in St. Louis, there has been no confirmed contact with him since the early spring of 2019. The case remains a painful mystery for his family and friends, who continue to hope for answers. The overview of the case is that William Murphy, a man with a quiet and scholarly nature, disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a life that was deeply rooted in academia and simple pleasures, with his last confirmed whereabouts being in the St. Louis area shortly after he was reported missing.

Last Seen: Mar 7, 2019

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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
John Doe — St. Louis, Missouri - unidentified case UP70471
John Doe — St. Louis, Missouri
UP70471 • Found Jun 1, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 36–50 vs 36 when missing
Location 98%19 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 84%5'10"–6'0" vs 6'2"
Weight 84%182 lb vs 225–250 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
75%Possible
John Doe — St. Louis, Missouri
UP88378 • Found Nov 27, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 18–99 vs 36 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 97%21 mi away, same county
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–6'1" vs 6'2"

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.