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 (MP66386) and 4 other sources
In the spring of 2016, a then 36-year-old man named William Paul Faries vanished from the small village of Cedarhurst in Nassau County, New York. On April 1st of that year, he was seen for the last time, and in the days, weeks, and years that have followed, his whereabouts have remained an agonizing mystery for those who know him. William was described as being approximately 6 feet to 6 feet 1 inch tall, with a weight between 180 and 200 pounds. He had brown hair, blue eyes, and a distinctive scar over his left eyebrow. When he disappeared, he was thought to be wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray pants. His case is being handled by the Union County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina, a detail that hints at the broad and often complex nature of long-term missing persons investigations.

William was known to lead a nomadic lifestyle, often traveling by bicycle with his possessions carried in a backpack. It was not unusual for him to be out of touch for periods, and he did not carry a cell phone, making immediate contact a challenge even in the best of times. In the past, he had disappeared before, but never for such a prolonged and silent duration. This history of disappearing, coupled with his lack of a digital footprint, created a complex situation for investigators and a deep sense of unease for his loved ones. As time stretched on without a word, the concern that this time was different grew into a persistent and heavy worry. Despite his transient nature, the length of his absence became a clear signal that something was wrong.

Those who knew William described him as having a very high IQ and being extremely computer-savvy, attributes that add another layer of complexity to his disappearance. This intelligence and technical skill could suggest a capacity to disappear intentionally and remain hidden, yet it also raises questions about why he would abruptly sever all contact. The investigation into William Faries's disappearance is a quiet one, marked by the passage of years and the absence of new leads. His case is a poignant reminder of the many individuals who slip away from the daily lives of their communities, leaving behind a void filled with unanswered questions and the enduring hope for a resolution. The overview of this case is one of a man with a known transient lifestyle who, on one occasion, left and has not been seen or heard from since, a departure from his previous patterns of behavior that has left his family and authorities searching for answers.

Last Seen: Apr 1, 2016

Possible Unidentified Matches (6)

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.

81%Moderate
John Doe — Hollis, New York - unidentified case UP17867
John Doe — Hollis, New York
UP17867 • Found Apr 3, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 36 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%6 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%6'2" vs 6'0"–6'1"
Weight 73%245 lb vs 180–200 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
79%Possible
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - unidentified case UP16496
John Doe — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UP16496 • Found Feb 11, 2017
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 36
Race 100%White
Location 79%85 mi away
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 84%5'7"–5'10" vs 6'0"–6'1"
Hair 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 36 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%7 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 75%5'7"–6'2" vs 6'0"–6'1"
77%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 36 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%8 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 52%5'8" vs 6'0"–6'1"
Weight 100%168 lb vs 180–200 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 30%Hazel vs Blue
77%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP50249
John Doe — New York, New York
UP50249 • Found Apr 24, 2018
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 56%Est. 45–65 vs 36 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%15 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"–6'1"
Weight 100%177 lb vs 180–200 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey - unidentified case UP102185
John Doe — Atlantic City, New Jersey
UP102185 • Found Jan 7, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 19–39 vs 36 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 77%95 mi away
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 68%5'9" vs 6'0"–6'1"
Weight 100%150–180 lb vs 180–200 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue

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.