Jose Cruz, 34, of Houston, was last seen May 19, 2006 after telling his ex-wife he was going to pick up their children from school but never arrived. The next day, May 20, the 2005 Chevrolet pickup he had been using — registered to his ex-wife — was found burned in Katy, about 30 miles from Houston; the truck was completely destroyed and no sign of Cruz was found at the scene. Investigators have treated the fire as deliberate, and Cruz has not been heard from since then; his cell phone has remained inactive.

Cruz had a criminal history that included theft and assault charges, and he faced pending criminal charges in Puerto Rico at the time; investigators have considered those elements as part of the investigation. The exact circumstances of his disappearance remain unresolved and the case is still open.

If anyone knew Jose, saw him or the pickup around May 19–20, 2006, or has information that could help, please share what you know.