Joaquin Coelho Esteves, 64, a San Jose real estate agent and prominent figure in the city’s Portuguese community, vanished after leaving his East Santa Clara Street office around 11:30 a.m. on December 13, 1988. He reportedly drove normally that morning to a scheduled appointment but never checked in with family. His office was found unlocked with his wallet, money, and identification left behind, which family members said was very out of character for the punctual Esteves.

In January 1989 his 1989 Buick Park Avenue turned up being driven by Orlando Cruz Vasquez. Police found Esteves’ wristwatch and sweater in Vasquez’s home and reported signs of a struggle in the car’s trunk, prompting charges of murder, robbery, and kidnapping despite no body ever being recovered. Vasquez was convicted in 1991 and given a 30-year sentence. Authorities consider Esteves a victim of foul play based on the circumstances.

If anyone knew Esteves, his routines, or saw that Buick in December 1988, can you share what you remember?