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 (MP77590) and 3 other sources
In the Bronx neighborhood of Morrisania, New York, 38-year-old James W. Smith was last seen on December 22, 2018. On the day he went missing, he left his residence but did not take his cell phone or his benefit card with him. He was expected to return, but he never did and made no contact with the staff at his residence or any of his known family members. At the time of his disappearance, Smith was described as a White male, standing between 5'11' and 6'0' tall, and weighing between 175 and 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. A distinct characteristic is that he walks with a limp affecting his right leg. He was last seen wearing a blue jean jacket, blue jeans, an Abercrombie & Fitch sweater of an unknown color, and Timberland boots, also of an unknown color.

The investigation into James Smith's disappearance was handled by the New York City Police Department's Missing Persons Squad. In the initial stages, authorities focused on his last known location in the Morrisania area, examining surveillance footage and speaking with individuals who may have seen him. Despite these efforts, no significant leads that could shed light on his sudden disappearance were uncovered. A review of his phone records and financial activity also failed to provide any useful information regarding his possible whereabouts. As time passed, with no new information coming to light, the case grew cold, leaving his family in a state of uncertainty and distress.

The search for answers in the disappearance of James Smith has been an ongoing effort for his loved ones. His family and friends have actively sought to keep his case in the public eye by distributing flyers and making public pleas for any information that might lead to his whereabouts. The lack of any concrete evidence or credible sightings has made the case particularly challenging for investigators. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain a mystery, with no clear indication of what might have happened to him after he left his home on that December day. His case remains unsolved, a painful and unresolved chapter for all who know him, as they continue to hope for a breakthrough that will bring them the closure they desperately seek.

Last Seen: Dec 22, 2018

Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

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 — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP70353 • Found May 7, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 78%89 mi away
TimingFound 17 months after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%166 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP119685
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP119685 • Found Jan 29, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 75%5'7"–6'2" vs 5'11"–6'0"
79%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP81157
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP81157 • Found May 26, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 35–55 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%9 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%168 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 60%Hazel vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP115204
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP115204 • Found Dec 26, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 86%Est. 45–55 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%8 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 36%5'6" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 89%147 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Staten Island, New York - unidentified case UP82373
John Doe — Staten Island, New York
UP82373 • Found Jul 8, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 38 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 97%20 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 52%5'7" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%203 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP114582
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP114582 • Found Dec 29, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 38 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 100%5 mi away, same county
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%157 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Manhattan, New York - unidentified case UP114703
John Doe — Manhattan, New York
UP114703 • Found Nov 10, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 38 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%3 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 36%5'6" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 83%142 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 60%Brown vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Staten Island, New York - unidentified case UP84078
John Doe — Staten Island, New York
UP84078 • Found May 26, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 38 when missing
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 98%16 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 36%5'6" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%178 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP59677
John Doe — New York, New York
UP59677 • Found Jul 15, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 38
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 100%8 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 months after last seen
Height 52%5'5"–5'7" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%197 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Kearny, New Jersey - unidentified case UP159723
John Doe — Kearny, New Jersey
UP159723 • Found Apr 28, 2026
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 38–52 vs 38 when missing
Location 100%11 mi away
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"–6'0"
Weight 100%169 lb vs 175–185 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black

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.