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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 (MP77977) and 1 other source
In the bustling metropolis of New York, a 34-year-old man named Ilyaa Vugmeyster vanished, leaving his family with unanswered questions. On September 30, 2017, Ilyaa was last seen in the city, and from that day forward, a concerning silence began. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as a White male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The New York City Police Department was notified of his disappearance the following day, officially opening an investigation into his whereabouts.

The circumstances surrounding Ilyaa's disappearance are noted as being complex. Reports indicate that he had been missing for three years before an official missing persons case was created in early 2021. During this time, it is believed that he had lived at multiple addresses. It has been suggested that his lack of contact with his family was willing. This adds a layer of difficulty to the investigation, blurring the lines between a voluntary departure and a situation where he may have been in distress.

The investigation into Ilyaa Vugmeyster's disappearance remains open, and the lack of new information has left his family in a state of perpetual uncertainty. His case is a poignant example of the many individuals who go missing each year, their stories often fading from public view as time passes. The overview of this case is one of a man who seemingly chose to distance himself from his family, yet the length of his absence and the complete lack of communication have raised concerns for his well-being. The official report highlights that he had resided at various locations without making contact, a detail that has been a central point in understanding his case.

Last Seen: Sep 30, 2017

Links to Additional Sources (1)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (7)

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.

79%Possible
John Doe — Hollis, New York - unidentified case UP17867
John Doe — Hollis, New York
UP17867 • Found Apr 3, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 62%Est. 40–60 vs 34
Race 100%White
Location 100%12 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 months after last seen
Height 84%6'2" vs 6'0"
Weight 59%245 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%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 34 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%8 mi away, same state
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 75%5'7"–6'2" vs 6'0"
78%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 34 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%10 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 52%5'8" vs 6'0"
Weight 97%168 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 60%Hazel vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP70353 • Found May 7, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 34 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 80%84 mi away
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 52%5'8" vs 6'0"
Weight 95%166 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Staten Island, New York - unidentified case UP81219
John Doe — Staten Island, New York
UP81219 • Found Jun 10, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 34 when missing
Location 99%15 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
Weight 55%132 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP55994 • Found Sep 22, 2017
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 34
Race 100%White
Location 81%79 mi away
TimingFound same day as last seen
Height 52%5'6"–5'8" vs 6'0"
Weight 100%160–180 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Pipersville, Pennsylvania
UP149049 • Found Jun 6, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 18–100 vs 34 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 85%65 mi away
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'0"
Weight 99%170 lb vs 190 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
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.

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