(FIRST) Blue corduroy pants (Brand “Gap“; style “Carpenter”; size “31×30”) (SECOND) Gray boxer shorts with a print pattern featuring the words “Living La Vida Loca” and a green lizard wearing a shirt and sunglasses (Brand “Marcado’s” or “Macaros“; size “L”)
Humane Borders map screenshot of case information at discovery coordinates
Vamori Village John Doe/”Jose Luis Perez” (June 27, 2007)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: June 27th, 2007
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Vamori Village, Pima County, Arizona, USA (31°40’53.4″N 112°01’11.6″W (31.681500, -112.019900))
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2007
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: < 1 week (Humane Borders)
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Decomposing/putrefaction
CAUSE OF DEATH: Probable hyperthermia (Humane Borders)
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE: 25 – 45 years old
RACE: Hispanic
WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
HEIGHT (MEASURED): 5’3” (63 inches; 160.02 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: Black
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
Black, thin moustache
Vertically oriented striations present on the facial surface of most of the anterior mandibular and maxillary teeth
Tattoo on left hand between index and thumb: Possible cross on top of heart or a “13″ (green ink)
BACKGROUND
On June 27th, 2007, the remains of a Hispanic male were discovered in a remote desert area near Vamori Village, Arizona. It is believed he had been deceased less than a week prior to his discovery.
The individual is described as a Hispanic male between 25 to 45 years of age. He stood at 5’3” (63 inches; 160.02 cm) in height and had black hair. His weight and eye colour could not be determined.
He had a thin, black moustache, a tattoo in green ink of a possible cross on top of a heart of a “13” on his left hand between his index and thumb, and vertically oriented striations on the facial surface of most of his anterior mandibular and maxillary teeth.
A pair of black shoes or boots were discovered on his body. A pair of blue corduroy pants and a pair of gray boxer shorts with print pattern featuring the words “Living La Vida Loca” and a green lizard wearing a shirt and sunglasses were discovered near his body.
In March of 2021, his fingerprints matched to a “Jose Luis Perez”, possibly from Chiapas, Mexico. This identity has not been verified as of May 2026. There is a USBP apprehension photo available of the decedent alive, taken in 2000. I will include this photo, as well as the photos available of his pants, boxer shorts, and shoes. There is a phot of his teeth which is available on NamUs and the DoeNetwork.
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Black shoes or boots (Brand “Calzados, Roy”; size “39”)
Near the body, the following was noted
Blue corduroy pants (Brand “Gap”; style “Carpenter”; size “31×30”)
Gray boxer shorts with a print pattern featuring the words “Living La Vida Loca” and a lizard wearing a shirt and sunglasses (NamUs and DoeNetwork note the brand as “Marcardo’s” but looking at the photo of the boxer shorts, it looks more like “Macaros” to me; NamUs and DoeNetwork note that the boxer shorts say “Living La Vida Loco” but looking at the photo of them, they appear to read “Living La Vida Loca”.) (Brand “Marcardo’s” or “Macaros”; size “L”)
IDENTIFIERS
Dentals: Available
Fingerprints: Available
DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department
Agency Phone Number: 520-383-3275
Agency Case Number: 07 06 27 074
AGENCY TWO
Agency Name: Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office
Agency Contact Person: Bruce Anderson (Forensic Anthropologist)
Items discovered (“Dallas Cowboys” hat, light blue boxer shorts with white stripes, brown belt with large silver buckle, and hiking boots)
Ajo John Doe/”Armando Lopez-Rivera” (July 15, 2012)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: July 15th, 2012
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Ajo, Pima County, Arizona, 85321, USA (32°24’10.6″N 112°50’36.2″W (32.402930, -112.843380))
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2012
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Weeks
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Mummified
CAUSE OF DEATH: Probable hyperthermia (exposure)
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE: 30 – 55 years old (Humane Borders notes “49”)
RACE: Hispanic
WEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 150 pounds (68.0389 kg)
HEIGHT (MEASURED): 5’4” (64 inches; 162.56 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Brown
HAIR: Black with some gray
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: None noted
BACKGROUND
On July 15th, 2012, mummified remains were discovered in a remote desert area near Ajo, Arizona. The individual is believed to have been a Hispanic male between 30 to 55 years of age (as per NamUs; Humane Borders notes his age as “49”. I am unsure where this was obtained, it may have been from one of the times he was apprehended by the USBP.) He weighed approximately 150 pounds (68.0389 kg) and stood at 5’4” (64 inches; 162.56 cm) in height. He had brown eyes and his hair was black with some gray in it.
The man’s fingerprints were run and matched to US Border Patrol (USBP) records for “…including multiple arrests and under several names, including Armando Lopez-Rivera. None of the names are verified.” (NamUs) NamUs notes that he was arrested under “several names” but only notes the one.
As per NamUs, the man had been released from a US prison in May of 2012 and was subsequently deported to Mexico on June 17th, 2012. His remains were discovered 28 days after this deportation.
He was found wearing dark jeans, a brown belt with a large silver buckle, gray socks, and brown shoes (they definitely look to be hiking boots and do not look brown to me or at least are not fully brown). Discovered near his body was a tan or white t-shirt, light blue boxer shorts with white stripes, a Dallas Cowboys hat (dark coloured, likely dark blue, with a white star), toiletries (no further information or description on this), and a tan rope.
There are three photos of him alive from previous apprehensions by the USBP. One from July 23rd, 2000, one from June 1st, 2010, and an undated one. I will include those photos, of course.
He likely attempted to cross the border again and sadly succumbed to the elements. This was likely not long after being deported in June as he is believed to have been deceased “weeks” (as per NamUs), possibly 3 weeks or less (as per Humane Borders) and he was discovered 4 weeks after being deported in June.
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Dark jeans (No brand or size noted)
Brown belt with large silver buckle (No brand or size noted)
Gray socks (No brand or size noted)
Brown shoes (No brand or size noted) (From the photos they appear to be hiking boots and do not look brown to me or at least are not fully brown)
Near the body, the following was noted
Tan or white t-shirt (No brand or size noted)
Light blue with white stripes boxer shorts (No brand or size noted)
“Dallas Cowboys” hat (Dark coloured; possibly dark blue, with a white star)
Tan rope
Toiletries (No further information/description provided)
IDENTIFIERS
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Pima County Sheriff’s Office
Agency Phone Number: 520-803-3280
Agency Case Number: 12 07 15 059
AGENCY TWO
Agency Name: Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office
Agency Contact Person: Bruce Anderson (Forensic Anthropologist)
Humane Borders map screenshot of case information at discovery coordinates
Stock image of similar pants to the black pants found (Brand “Dickies”; style “Original 874”; size “36×32”)
Topawa John Doe (May 19, 2025)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: May 19th, 2025
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Topawa, Pima County, Arizona, USA, 85639 (31°48’16.8″N 111°54’41.3″W (31.80466, -111.91146))
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2024 – 2025
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Up to 1 year (Humane Borders notes “< 3 months”)
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Near complete or complete skeleton
CAUSE OF DEATH: Undetermined
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE: 23 – 57 years old
RACE: Uncertain
WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
HEIGHT: Cannot estimate
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: Unknown
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
Previously broken his nose, which was healed but had not set properly – this may have resulted in a visible bump on the bridge of his nose
Rotated front top teeth and crowding of the top and bottom teeth
BACKGROUND
On May 19th, 2025, skeletal remains were discovered in a desert area West of Topawa, Arizona. The individual may have been deceased up to a year prior to discovery, with an estimated year of death of 2024 – 2025.
It is believed that the individual was a male between 23 to 57 years of age. He had previously broken his nose, which was healed but had not set properly. This may have resulted in a visible bump on the bridge of his nose. He also had rotated front top teeth and crowding of his top and bottom teeth.
His race, height, weight, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined.
Near the body a pair of “George” brand black boxer briefs and a pair of size 36×32 black “Dickies” brand “Original 874” style pants were discovered.
(*Currently, I am focusing mostly on cases of migrants who passed when crossing the Mexico-United States border. A lot of these cases have very little information provided.*)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – Near the body, the following was noted
Black boxer briefs (Brand “George”; no size noted)
Black pants (Brand “Dickies”; style “Original 874”; size “36×32”)
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find any information regarding identifiers
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office
Agency Contact Person: Bruce Anderson (Forensic Anthropologist)
Agency Phone Number: 520-724-8600
Agency Case Number: ML 25-1762
AGENCY TWO
Agency Name: Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department
(FIRST) Denim pants (No brand ort size noted) (SECOND) Dark coloured shorts with white pattern around the bottom of each leg (No brand or size noted)
(FIRST) Black and white tennis shoes/sneakers (No brand or size noted) (SECOND) Personal items found, including: dentures, yellow metal wristwatch, yellow metal crucifix, white metal pocket watch with chain, calculator, and sunglasses
(FIRST) Top and bottom set of dentures (SECOND) Up close/facial view of dentures
Cold Fields Village Jane Doe/”Anna Maria Del Rosario Gonzalez Ortiz” (May 29, 2001)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: May 29th, 2001
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Cold Fields Village, Pima County, Arizona, USA (31°40’09.0″N 111°43’14.0″W (31.669167, -111.720556))
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2001
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Weeks
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Decomposing/putrefaction
CAUSE OF DEATH: Hyperthermia (exposure)
SEX: Female
ESTIMATED AGE: 34 – 62 years old
RACE: Hispanic
WEIGHT (MEASURED): 156 pounds (70.7604 kg)
HEIGHT (MEASURED): 4’10” (58 inches; 147.32 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: Brown (dyed with red colouring; curly; 6 or more inches (15.24 cm) in length; 2 – 3% gray hairs present)
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
Set of “…two pink acrylic dental plates with plastic teeth.” (DoeNetwork)
The upper dental plate had –
CENTRAL INCISORS: Gold metallic strip between the top two front teeth
LEFT LATERAL INCISOR: “Exhibits a false gold crown with a “natural face” (DoeNetwork) (looks like a window)
RIGHT LATERAL INCISOR: “Exhibits a small stainless steel full crown added to the plate” (DoeNetwork)
The lower dental plate –
“Exhibits a repaired complete fracture of the right side of the denture in the area of the first premolar; the old fracture line split the prosthetic tooth.” (DoeNetwork)
BACKGROUND
On May 29th, 2001, the body of a Hispanic woman was discovered on the Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation in the vicinity of Cold Fields Village in Pima County, Arizona. She was discovered 2.8 miles East and 4 miles North of mile post/marker 8 of Federal Route 19.
The woman was discovered under a tree, using her purse as a pillow. It is believed that she passed due to hyperthermia from exposure to the elements and had been deceased for up to 5 weeks prior to her discovery.
The Doe is described as a Hispanic woman between 34 to 62 years of age. She weighed 156 pounds (70.7604 kg) and stood at 4’10” (147.32 cm) in height. She had brown hair which had been dyed with red colouring, was 6 or more inches (15.24 or more cm) in length, and had 2 to 3% gray hairs present.
She was discovered wearing a blue short-sleeved button-up denim shirt, denim pants, dark coloured shorts with a white pattern around the bottom of each leg, black and white tennis shoes/sneakers, and white socks.
Also discovered was a black purse, a yellow metal crucifix, a yellow metal wristwatch, a white metal pocket watch with chain, sunglasses, a calculator, American currency, a birth certificate for a “Anna Maria Del Rosario Gonzalez Ortiz” born “August 25, 1952”, and a set of “…pink acrylic dental plates with plastic teeth.” (DoeNetwork)
The upper dental plate had a gold metallic strip between the central incisors (front teeth), a “…small stainless steel full crown added to the plate” (DoeNetwork) on the right lateral incisor, and a “…a false gold crown with a “natural face”” (DoeNetwork) on the upper left lateral incisor. This gold crown looks like a window. On the lower plate, there was an apparent “…repaired complete fracture of the right side of the denture in the area of the first premolar; the old fracture line split the prosthetic tooth.” (DoeNetwork)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Blue short-sleeved button-up denim shirt (No brand or size noted)
Denim pants (No brand or size noted)
Dark coloured shorts with white pattern around the bottom of each leg (No brand or size noted)
Black and white tennis shoes/sneakers (No brand or size noted)
White socks (No brand or size noted)
Near the body, the following was noted
Black purse (No brand noted)
Dentures (Set of “…pink acrylic dental plates with plastic teeth.” (DoeNetwork))
Yellow metal crucifix
Yellow metal wristwatch (No brand noted)
White metal pocket watch with chain (No brand noted)
Sunglasses (No brand noted)
Calculator (No brand noted)
American currency
Birth certificate for a “Anna Maria Del Rosario Gonzalez Ortiz” with a date of birth of “August 25, 1952”
EXCLUSIONS – Name (NamUs Case Number; Date of Last Contact; Last Known Location) (As per the Unidentified Wiki, I cannot check NamUs to see if there are any other exclusions)
Gloria Cruz Medina (#MP35963; 25 April 1993; Phoenix, Arizona)
Rosario Acosta Zazueta (#MP1123; 22 December 1995; Phoenix, Arizona)
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find any information regarding identifiers
Dentals: Dentures are available but (I assume) any natural teeth are not
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department
Agency Phone Number: 520-383-3275
Agency Case Number: 2127640/36812
AGENCY TWO
Agency Name: Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office
Agency Contact Person: Mark Glenn (Forensic Medical Investigator) / Bruce Anderson (Forensic Anthropologist)
Colour photograph (1 ½ inches by ⅞ (0.875) inch) of a woman posing on a sidewalk. She appears to have long hair and is wearing a white sleeveless top and blue jeans
(FIRST) Small piece of paper with “0446696717695 Lupita” (or “Lupitia“) handwritten on it (SECOND) Spanish Bible with various writing inside
(FIRST) Metal wristwatch with analog face and leather wristband (Brand “Mossimo”); two “stiff fabric items” (SECOND) Black shoe with buckle (No brand or size noted)
Dulzura John Doe (February 17, 2004)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: February 17th, 2004
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Dulzura, San Diego County, California, 91917
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2004
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: 4 months
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Mummified
CAUSE OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE: 20 – 25 years old
RACE: Hispanic / Native American
WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
HEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 5’4” (64 inches; 162.56 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: Black (straight, ¾ (0.75) inch (1.905 cm) which extends onto the back of the neck and is present on the temples)
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
Black moustache (measuring up to 3/4 (0.75) inch (1.905 cm) in length)
BACKGROUND
At approximately 4:00 p.m., on February 17th, 2004, mummified remains were discovered “…near a freshly graded road…” (NamUs) in Dulzura, California. It is believed that the individual had been deceased approximately 4 months.
The individual is believed to be a Hispanic and/or Native American male between 20 to 25 years of age. He stood at 5’4” in height. He had black, straight hair that was ¾ inch in length; it extended onto the back of his neck and was present on his temples as well. He had a black moustache that measured up to ¾ inch in length.
Clothing discovered included:
Denim blue jeans with thigh pockets and detachable (zip off) lower pant legs (brand “One Tuff Brand”; size “33 Waist, 32 Length”)
Black shoe(s) with a metal buckle (these are not listed under items discovered but a photo is included on NamUs of one, so I am unsure if one or two were found) (no brand or size noted)
Metal wristwatch with an analog face and leather wristband (Brand “Missimo”)
Other items discovered included:
Two “stiff fabric items” were also found in the right thigh pocket of his jeans. These fabric items each measured 6 inches by ⅜ (0.375) inch wide. Both had a loop at one end and 3 ½ inches of loose, frilly string on the other end. One was yellow and blue with the sewn-on name “Rodolfo”, the other was red, green, and a yellow, and had the sewn-on name “Josefina”.
Small piece of paper with “0446646717695 Lupita” handwritten on it.
Colour photograph (1 ½ inches by ⅞ (0.875) inch) of a woman posing on a sidewalk. She appears to have long hair and is wearing a white sleeveless top and blue jeans.
Spanish Bible which appears to be from “The Gideons International” church in Nashville, Tennessee. There is handwritten text (in pencil) on some pages, including: “2930 The (illegible) Race Castiac CA 91384 NCCF”, “765997”, “Raymundo Hernandez” (or possibly “Hernandes”), “799259 4A”, “oaxaca“, and “3761960”. I describe this Bible more in depth in the paragraphs below.
Regarding the Bible:
On the first page (left side/page), there appears to be printed text at the top, but due to the condition of the pages it is hard to read. Underneath this, there is handwritten text (all handwritten text was done in pencil) that reads, (at least in part, as the beginning difficult to read), “2930 930 the old Road Castiac CA 91384 NCCF”. Underneath this, at the bottom of the page, there is printed text that reads “ESTE LIBRO NO SERA VENDIDO”.
On the second page (right side/page), there appears to be printed text at the top, but due to the condition of the pages it is hard to read, however, it looks to at least end with “A”. There is handwritten text above which NamUs says states “765997”. Below that are five black lines which appear to be for writing information (possibly the information of the owner of the Bible?). Each line has handwritten text. On the first line, it appears to read “Raymundo”. The second line appears to read “Hernandez” (or possibly “Hernandes”?). The third line appears to read “799259 4A”. The fourth line appears to read “oaxaca”. The fifth line appears to read “3761960”.
Underneath the fifth line, there is printed text that reads “FECHA By THE GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL 2900 LEBANON ROAD NASHVILLE, TENNESSE 37214 U.S.A www.gideons.org”
Below is more information as well as some of my thoughts on the Bible.
First: “2930 the old Road Castiac CA 91384 NCCF” appears to refer to the North County Correctional Facility which is a county jail and one of four hails within the Pitchess Detention Center. This center is located at 29340 The Old Road, Castaic, California. The zip code is 91384. NamUs notes that this handwriting says “2930 The (illegible) Race…” but when reading it myself it appears to possibly be “the old Road” which matches up with the rest of the address. Was he at some point at this location, possibly an inmate or seeing a friend or family member there?
Second: The Gideons International is a church with headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. They distribute free copies of bibles in numerous languages. They are known for placing many of these bibles in hotel rooms, as well as hospitals, prisons, schools, etc. There is a chance that this Doe was at a hotel or other institution and that is where he acquired this Bible, or someone else got it from a hotel or other institution and then gave it to this Doe, or he somehow encountered someone else that was part of the Gideons International that gave him a copy. I am leaning more towards another institution other than a hotel as I feel most hotels in the U.S. would have English bibles in the rooms, but I am not sure in the area he was discovered, if they sometimes put Spanish or both English and Spanish versions in rooms. Could he have acquired it from the county jail (mentioned previously), or someone he met or knew acquired it from there and gave it to him?
Third: NamUs states that a handwritten line reads “Oxacai:” but when reading it myself it appears to read “oaxaca”, which is a state in Mexico (the capital city of Oaxaca, Oaxaca de Juárez, is often simply referred to as Oaxaca as well). It looks like a small box was drawn around the “o”, possibly just doodling when writing as there appears to be a small doodle(?) above the “o” as well.
CLOTHING/ITEMS – Near the body, the following was noted
Denim blue jeans with thigh pocket; lower pant legs are attached but can zip off (Brand “One Tuff Brand” (OTB); size “33 Waist, 32 Length”)
Black shoe(s) with metal buckle (Not listed on items found but a photo of one is included on NamUs; unsure if one or two shoes were found) (No brand or size noted)
Metal wristwatch with analog face and leather wristband (Brand “Mossimo”)
Two stiff fabric items both measuring 6 inches (15.24 cm) long by ⅜ (0.375) inch (0.9525 cm ) wide; both have a loop at one end and 3 ½ inches (8.89 cm) of loose frilly string at the other end; one is yellow and blue and inscribed with the sewn-one name “Rodolfo”; the other is red, green, and yellow, and had the sewn-on name “Josefina”.
Small piece of paper with “0446646717695 Lupita” (or “Lupitia”) handwritten on it
Colour photograph (1 ½ inches by ⅞ (0.875) inch (3.81 by 2.2225 cm)) of a woman posing on a sidewalk. She appears to have long hair and is wearing a white sleeveless top and blue jeans.
Spanish Bible which appears to be from “The Gideons International” church in Nashville, Tennessee. There is handwritten text (in pencil) on some pages, including: “2930 The (illegible) Race Castiac CA 91384 NCCF”, “765997”, “Raymundo Hernandez” (or possibly “Hernandes”), “799259 4A”, “oaxaca“, and “3761960”.
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find any information regarding identifiers
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office
Agency Contact Person: Tessa Lee (Medical Examiner Investigator III)
(FIRST) Clear plastic keychain with photograph enclosed (possibly a teenage girl) (SECOND) White and blue striped handkerchief discovered
(FIRST) Black t-shirt discovered which has a graphic of a baseball and says, “WORLD SERIES 100th ANNIVERSARY 2003” “2003 WORLD SERIES” “Champions” “FLORIDA MARLINS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL” (Brand “Delta Pro Weight”; size “M”) (SECOND) Brown boot discovered (Brand “Mack“, size unknown)
Three Points John Doe (October 28, 2007)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: October 28th, 2007
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY1: Three Points, Pima County, Arizona, 85629, USA (31°58’45.4″N 111°11’28.7″W (31.979267, -111.191317))
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Partial skeletal parts only
CAUSE OF DEATH: Probable exposure (Humane Borders)
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE: 17 – 21 years old
RACE: Hispanic
WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
HEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 5’2” (62 inches; 157.48 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: Unknown
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: None stated
BACKGROUND
On October 28th, 2007, skeletal remains of a male were discovered near Three Points, Arizona, “…in a desert area known for migrant activity.” NamUs notes a postmortem interval of “Months”, DoeNetwork notes “4 to 8 months” and Human Borders notes “< 6 – 8 months”.
The remains were determined to belong to a Hispanic male between 17 to 21 years of age. He stood around 5’2” (62 inches; 157.48 cm) in height. His weight, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined.
He was discovered wearing a black World Series Champions 2003 baseball t-shirt that says “2003 WORLD SERIIES” “Champions” WORLD SERIES 100th ANNIVERSARY 2003” “FLORIDA MARLINS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL”, a white tank top, two pairs of blue jeans, and one black sock. A white and blue striped handkerchief was also found on the body.
Items discovered near the body included one brown boot, one black leather belt with a metal buckle, and a plastic keychain with an enclosed photograph of a possible teenage girl. There is a high possibility that the person in the photo is a loved one or close friend to the Doe.
(*Currently, I am focusing mostly on cases of migrants who passed when crossing the Mexico-United States border. A lot of these cases have very little information provided.*)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Black t-shirt which has a graphic of a baseball and says, “WORLD SERIES 100th ANNIVERSARY 2003” “2003 WORLD SERIES” “Champions” “FLORIDA MARLINS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL” (Brand “Delta Pro Weight”; size “M”)
White tank top (No brand or size noted)
Blue jeans (Brand “Jingo Jeans”, size unknown) Blue jeans (Brand “Lee”, size “30”)
White and blue striped handkerchief
One black sock (No brand or size noted)
One brown boot (Brand “Mack”; size unknown)
Near the body, the following was noted
Plastic keychain with enclosed photograph
Black leather band with metal buckle (Brand “Nike”; no size noted)
NOTES – Things to note or discrepancies found during research
1 LOCATION OF DISCOVERY – NamUs lists coordinates that lead to Florence, Arizona but notes the location of discovery as near Three Points. It seems to be one digit off of the coordinates given on the Humane Borders map, which is in fact near Three Points, so I believe those are the correct coordinates.
IDENTIFIERS
Dentals: Available
Fingerprints: Not available
DNA: Available
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Pima County Sheriff’s Office
Agency Phone Number: 520-351-4600
Agency Case Number: 07 10 28 161
AGENCY TWO
Agency Name: Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office
Agency Contact Person: Bruce Anderson (Forensic Anthropologist)
(FIRST) Business card found within wallet (Photo from NamUs) (SECOND) Tan Ostrich skin like belt (Size 38) and plaid shirt/fabric found (not listed on NamUs) (Photo from NamUs)
(FIRST) Ankle work boots found (Brand “Establo“; size “8”) (Photo from NamUs) (SECOND) Ankle work boots found (Brand “Establo“; size “8”) (Photo from NamUs)
(FIRST) Photo discovered within wallet (Appears to be of a young boy with short, dark hair. He is wearing a white shirt and is posing in front of a blue backdrop. It reminds me a school photo.) (SECOND) Photo discovered within wallet (Appears to be of a young girl with dark hair that is pulled back into a ponytail with a white scrunchie hair tie. She is wearing a white dress and is posing next to a newborn baby girl with dark hair who is wearing a white dress, white headband, and white shoes. They are in front of a Winnie-the-Pooh backdrop.) (THIRD) Photo discovered within wallet (Appears to be of a woman with long, dark hair. She may be wearing lipstick and may have a small mole/birthmark on one cheek near her nose. She is with a young child (possibly a girl) who has long, dark hair. They are both smiling for the camera. They may be inside, possibly on plaid a couch or chair.)
Ocotillo John Doe (October 2, 2003)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: October 2nd, 2003
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Ocotillo, Imperial County, California, 99259, USA (32°41’49.7″N 116°02’58.4″W (32.697140, -116.049550))
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2003
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: 1 month
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Partial skeletal parts only
CAUSE OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE1: 20 – 40 years old
RACE: Hispanic / Caucasian
WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
HEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 5’4” (64 inches; 162.56 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: Unknown
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: None noted
BACKGROUND
On October 2nd, 2003, human remains were discovered in the Ocotillo Mountains near Kumeyaay Highway/Interstate 8, West of Ocotillo, California. It is believed that the person had been deceased for 1 month prior to discovery.
The individual is believed to be a Hispanic and/or Caucasian male between 20 to 40 years of age. He stood at approximately 5’4” (64 inches; 162.56 cm) in height. His weight, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined.
On the body, size 8 “Establo” brand ankle work boots and white socks with blue toe and heel patches were found. Near the body, size 34×31 “Levi’s” brand jeans, a size 38 tan Ostrich skin style belt, size 8 “ESTABIO” brand ankle work boots, white socks with blue toe and heel patches, and a “NIKE” brand tan cap/hat for the “Lakers” NBA basketball team were found.
A wallet was also found near the body, which had the name “AVILA-TORRES” and possibly the word “RANA” carved into it. It contained photos of possible family members of the Doe. Descriptions of these photos include:
One appears to be of a young boy with short, dark hair. He is wearing a white shirt and is posing in front of a blue backdrop. It reminds me a school photo.
One appears to be of a young girl with dark hair that is pulled back into a ponytail with a white scrunchie hair tie. She is wearing a white dress and is posing next to a newborn baby girl with dark hair who is wearing a white dress, white headband, and white shoes. They are in front of a Winnie-the-Pooh backdrop.
One appears to be of a woman with long, dark hair. She may be wearing lipstick and may have a small mole/birthmark on one cheek near her nose. She is with a young child (possibly a girl) who has long, dark hair. They are both smiling for the camera. They may be inside, possibly on plaid a couch or chair.
Also, within the wallet, a business card (or cards) was discovered which reads “GARDENING MAINTENANCE SERVICE” and has the name “DOMINGO ROMAIN” with “OWNER & MANAGER” underneath, a telephone number “TEL: (213) 381-7814” and an address “133 N. RENO ST. #104 Los Angeles, CA 90026” on it. NamUs states “…there was a business card…” but in the photo of the card it looks like there are possibly multiple of them? I attempted to find information on this business or the owner, but could not find anything solid.
(*Currently, I am focusing mostly on cases of migrants who passed when crossing the Mexico-United States border. A lot of these cases have very little information provided.*)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Ankle work boots (Brand “Establo”; size “8”)
White socks with blue toe and heel patches (No brand or size noted)
Near the body, the following was noted
Jeans (Brand “Levi’s”; size “34×31”)
Tan Ostrich skin style belt (No brand noted; size “38”)
Tan hat/cap for the “Lakers” NBA basketball team (Brand “NIKE”)
Wallet with the name “AVILA-TORRES” and possible the word “RANA” carved into. It contained possible family photos and a business card for “GARDENING MAINTENANCE SERVICE”
Some sort of plaid shirt/fabric can be seen in some of the photos provided on NamUs but is not mentioned otherwise
NOTES – Things to note or discrepancies found during research
1 ESTIMATED AGE – Under “Estimated Age Range (Years)” NamUs notes “20-40”, while in the “Circumstances of Discovery” NamUs notes “30s-40s”.
Photo from NamUs of the gold/yellow metal necklace with a gold/yellow metal pendant of the Grim Reaper holding a scythe
Brownsville John Doe (June 18, 2024)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: June 18th, 2024
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520, USA
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2024
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: 5 days
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Decomposing/putrefaction
CAUSE OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
SEX: Male
ESTIMATED AGE GROUP: Adult – Pre 50
RACE: Hispanic
WEIGHT (ESTIMATED): 160 pounds (72.5748 kg)
HEIGHT (MEASURED): 5’8” (68 inches; 172.72 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Brown
HAIR: Black (0.25/¼ inches (0.635 cm) long)
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: Multiple tattoos, including –
RIGHT UPPER CHEST: AH (x10), Grouping, not linear
LEFT UPPER CHEST: “24-09-16”
ABDOMEN: “A L J A”
RIGHT UPPER ARM (LATERAL ASPECT): Smiling (Devil) face with horns
LEFT FOREARM (VENTRAL ASPECT): Trident symbol
LEFT HAND (WEBBING BETWEEN THUMB AND FOREFINGER): Three dots
RIGHT LOWER LEG (LATERAL ASPECT): Grim Reaper with a scythe with “Te Amo” beneath
RIGHT LOWER LEG (MEDIAL ASPECT): Grim Reaper with “Jesus” beneath
LEFT LOWER LEFT (MEDIAL ASPECT): Lisa Simpson holding an ice cream come with the apparent letter “F” and the inscription “CUY” beneath
BACKGROUND
On June 18th, 2024, the body of a Hispanic male was “…recovered by Border Patrol in Brownsville, Texas.” (NamUs) It is believed that he had been deceased approximately 5 days.
NamUs does not give an age range but does note an age group of Adult – Pre 50. He weighed approximately 160 pounds and stood at 5’8” (68 inches; 172.72 cm) in height. He had brown eyes and black hair that was 0.25/¼ inches (0.635 cm) long.
He had multiple tattoos, including:
“AH (x10), Grouping, non linear” on his right upper chest
The date “24-09-16” on his left upper chest
The letters “A L J A” on his abdomen
A smiling face (Devil) with horns on his right upper arm
A trident symbol on his left forearm
Three (3) dots on the webbing between his thumb and forefinger on his left hang
The Grim Reaper holding a scythe with “Te Amo” beneath on his right lower leg (lateral aspect (outer leg/away the midline of the body))
The Grim Reaper with “Jesus” beneath on his right lower leg (medial aspect (inner leg/towards the midline of the body))
Lisa Simpson holding an ice cream cone with the apparent letter “F” and the letters “CUY” beneath on his left lower leg (medial aspect (inner leg/towards the midline of the body))
His NamUs profile only had photos of the smiling face (Devil) tattoo and the Grim Reaper tattoo with “Te Amos” beneath. The first tattoo mentioned of the nonlinear “AH” makes me think of The Joker tattoos that people get that will have groups of “HA” repeated and sort of randomly positioned. I wish there was a photo of that tattoo available to confirm or deny this suspicion.
The man was found wearing a red short-sleeved plaid shirt, a red short-sleeved t-shirt, blue denim jeans, and black underwear. A gold/yellow metal necklace with a gold/yellow metal pendant of the Grim Reaper holding a scythe was also discovered.
(*Currently, I am focusing mostly on cases of migrants who passed when crossing the Mexico-United States border. A lot of these cases have very little information provided.*)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Red short-sleeved plaid shirt (No brand or size noted)
Red short-sleeved t-shirt (No brand or size noted)
Blue denim jeans (No brand or size noted)
Black underwear (No brand or size noted)
Gold/yellow metal necklace with a gold/yellow metal pendant of the Grim Reaper holding a scythe (Not listed under the items found but an image is included of it on NamUs)
IDENTIFIERS –I could not find any information regarding identifiers
On June 23rd, 2022, partial skeletal remains were discovered on Cage Ranch in Falfurrias, Texas. The remains are believed to belong to a male between 26 to 40 years old. He stood between 5’6″ to 6’1″ in height (66 to 73 inches; 167.64 to 185.42 cm). His race, weight, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined.
In the vicinity of the remains, a wallet was discovered that contained a Honduran ID Card under the name “Darwin Josue Calderon Madrid”.
(*Currently, I am focusing mostly on cases of (possible) migrants who passed when crossing the Mexico-United States border. A lot of these cases have very little information provided.*)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – Near the body, the following was noted
Wallet containing a Honduran ID card under the name “Darwin Josue Calderon Madrid”
IDENTIFIERS –I could not find any information regarding identifiers
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Brooks County Justice of the Peace – Precinct 3
Agency Contact Person: Nora Salinas (Justice of the Peace)
(FIRST) Reconstruction (NCMEC artist, date unknown) (SECOND) Black hooded zip jacket/sweatshirt with graphic of a Converse shoe, “Converse” underneath the shoe, and the saying “all stars” repeating behind (Brand “Converse”; no size noted)
(FIRST) Black and white sneakers found (Possibly “DC” brand or offbrand, Rob Dyrdrk “RD” style; no size noted) (SECOND) Up close photo of the “Converse” graphic on the black hooded zip jacket/sweatshirt
Chiapas-Tijuana transportation ticket found
Green Valley Jane Doe/”Areli Gomez Gomez” (July 2009)
DATE OF DISCOVERY: July 13th, 2009
LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Green Valley, Pima County, Arizona, 85614, USA (31°48’11.9″N 111°05’40.2″W (31.803300, -111.094500))
ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2009
POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: NCMEC notes “It is believed she had been deceased for a few weeks.” while Humane Borders notes “< 1 day”
CONDITION OF REMAINS: Humane Borders notes “Fully fleshed” while NamUs notes “Not recognizable – Decomposing/putrefaction” (Looking at her postmortem image, she would be recognizable to those who knew her)
CAUSE OF DEATH: Humane Borders notes “Exposure” “Probable hyperthermia”
SEX: Female
ESTIMATED AGE: 15 – 21 years old
RACE: Hispanic
WEIGHT (MEASURED): 98 pounds (44.4521 kg)
HEIGHT (MEASURED): 5’0” (60 inches; 152.4 cm)
EYE COLOUR: Unknown
HAIR: “Not mentioned within autopsy, but probably brown hair.” (NamUs)
DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
Small scar and freckle next to right eye
BACKGROUND
On July 13th, 2009, the body of a Hispanic female was discovered along a desert trail “…near Gasline Road, north of Calle Tres…” (NCMEC) in Green Valley, Arizona.
The Jane Doe is believed to have been between 15 to 21 years of age. She weighed 98 pounds (44.4521 kg) and stood at 5’0” (60 inches; 152.4 cm) in height. She possibly had brown hair. Her eye colour could not be determined.
She was found wearing a “Converse” brand black hooded zip jacket/sweatshirt with graphic of a Converse shoe, “Converse” underneath the shoe, and the saying “all stars” repeating behind, blue jeans, a black cloth belt with a white metal buckle, black and white sneakers (possibly “DC” brand or offbrand as most actual DC shoes have something written/embroidered on the tongu; Rob Dyrdrek “RD” style), a white bra, and black underwear.
A bus ticket was also found with her which was dated “03-07-09” and the name “Areli Gomez Gomez” written on it.
(*Currently, I am focusing mostly on cases of (possible) migrants who passed when crossing the Mexico-United States border. A lot of these cases have very little information provided.*)
CLOTHING/ITEMS – On the body, the following was noted
Black hooded zip jacket/sweatshirt with graphic of a Converse shoe, “Converse” underneath the shoe, and the saying “all stars” repeating behind (Brand “Converse”; no size noted)
Blue jeans (No brand or size noted)
Black cloth belt with white metal buckle (No brand or size noted)
Black and white sneakers (Possibly “DC” brand or offbrand, Rob Dyrdrk “RD” style; no size noted) (These are not noted under items found but a photo of them is included on NamUs)
White bra (No brand or size noted)
Black underwear (No brand or size noted)
Near the body, the following was noted
Transportation (bus) ticket from Chiapas to Tijuana with the name “Areli Gomez Gomez” and the date “03-07-09” written on it
IDENTIFIERS
Dentals: Available (“X-rays and photographs are available. Bilateral absence” (DoeNetwork))
Fingerprints: Available
DNA: Available
INVESTIGATING AGENCY & OTHER CASE INFORMATION
AGENCY ONE
Agency Name: Pima County Sheriff’s Department
Agency Phone Number: 520-351-4600
Agency Case Number: 09 07 13 35
AGENCY TWO
Agency Name: Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office
Agency Contact Person: Bruce Anderson (Forensic Anthropologist)
UPDATED(13 May 2026 (5:59 p.m., AEST)) I have updated the “Postmortem Interval”, “Condition of Remains” and “Cause of Death” sections to reflect information gathered from the Humane Borders map, which has also been added to the references.
