Unidentified AND MISSING

Dedicated to bringing awareness to unidentified people

Tag: Pima County Arizona

Vamori Village John Doe/”Jose Luis Perez” (June 27, 2007)
(FIRST) USBP apprehension photo (2000)
(SECOND) Black shoes (Brand “Calzados, Roy”; size “39”)

(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 27^th, 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 27^th, 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)
- Agency Phone Number: 520-724-8600
- Agency Case Number: ML 07-1164
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP4941
- DoeNetwork Case Number: #4706UMAZ
REFERENCES
- NamUs (#UP4941) (*WARNING: POSTMORTEM IMAGE OF TEETH*)
- DoeNetwork (4706UMAZ) (*WARNING: POSTMORTEM IMAGE OF TEETH*)
- Humane Borders – Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants – Case Number-based Spatial Search Map (ML 07-01164)
May 22, 2026
Ajo John Doe/”Armando Lopez-Rivera” (July 15, 2012)
(FIRST) USBP apprehension photo (Dated 01 June 2010)
(SECOND) USBP apprehension photo (Dated 23 July 2000)
(THIRD) USBP apprehension photo (Undated)

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 15^th, 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 15^th, 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 17^th, 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 23^rd, 2000, one from June 1^st, 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)
- Agency Phone Number: 520-724-8600
- Agency Case Number: ML 12-01693
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP12917
- DoeNetwork Case Number: 4865UMAZ
REFERENCES
May 19, 2026
Topawa John Doe (May 19, 2025)
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 19^th, 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 19^th, 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
- Agency Phone Number: 520-383-3275
- Agency Case Number: 250519060
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP147517
REFERENCES
- NamUs (#UP147517)
- Humane Borders – Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants (ML 25-1762)
May 17, 2026
Three Points John Doe (October 28, 2007)
(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 100^th 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 28^th, 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))
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2007
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Months (Human Borders notes “< 6 – 8 months”; DoeNetwork notes “4 to 8 months”)
- 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 28^th, 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 100^th 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 100^th 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)
- Agency Phone Number: 520-724-8600
- Agency Case Number: ML 07-01995
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP5340
- NCMEC Case Number: 1184121
- DoeNetwork Case Number: 2777UMAZ
REFERENCES
May 15, 2026
Green Valley Jane Doe/”Areli Gomez Gomez” (July 2009)
(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 13^th, 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 13^th, 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)
- Agency Phone Number: 520-724-8600
- Agency Case Number: ML 09-01412
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP6412
- NCMEC Case Number: 1184090
- DoeNetwork Case Number: 1189UFAZ
- Former Hot Case Number: 2372
REFERENCES
- NamUs (#UP6412) (*WARNING: POSTMORTEM PHOTOS*)
- NCMEC (1184090)
- DoeNetwork (1189UFAZ)
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.
May 12, 2026
Little Tucson/Ali Chukson John Doe (November 23, 2012)
Reconstruction (NCMEC artist, date unknown)

NCMEC poster

Humane Borders – Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants screenshot showing location of discovery (31.895416, -111.777950) and case details (ML 13-00429)

Little Tucson/Ali Chukson John Doe (November 23, 2012)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: November 23^rd, 2012
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY¹: Ali Chukson, Pima County, Arizona, 85634, USA (31°53’43.5”N 112°46’40.6”W (31.895416, -111.777950))
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2011 – 2012
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Months
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Partial skeletal parts only
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
- SEX: Male
- ESTIMATED AGE: 13 – 18 years old
- RACE: Hispanic
- WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
- HEIGHT: Cannot estimate
- EYE COLOUR: Unknown
- HAIR: Unknown
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: None stated
BACKGROUND

On November 23^rd, 2012, a human cranium was discovered in the desert near Old Topana Road, 3 miles south of Ali Chukson (Little Tucson), Arizona.

I would just like to note since I was confused at first (though please correct me if I’m wrong!): “Ali Chukson” (O’odham: ʼAli Cuk Ṣon) means “Little Tucson” in the O’odham language, which is why the location of Ali Chukson (and the Doe) is referred to as Little Tucson or Little Tucson Village.

It is believed the remains belonged to a Hispanic male between 13 to 18 years old. His weight, height, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined. “It is suspected he had been deceased for several months and may have died as early as 2011.” (NCMEC)

(*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.*)

NOTES – Things to note or discrepancies found during research
- ¹ LOCATION OF DISCOVERY – NamUs and NCMEC state that he was discovered in Little Tucson (Ali Chukson), but searching the coordinates says that it is in Ali Molina, but if you search the road that he was found very close to, it says it is located in Sells. I just wanted to note this.
IDENTIFIERS – I could not find any information regarding identifiers
- Dentals: Unknown
- 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: 121123090
AGENCY TWO
- 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 13-00429
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NCMEC Case Number: 1250497
- NamUs Case Number: #UP11081
REFERENCES
May 6, 2026
Ajo John Doe (November 18, 2011)
Reconstruction (NCMEC artist, date unknown)

NCMEC poster

Humane Borders – Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants screenshot showing location of discovery 32.384250, -112.775917) and case details (ML 11-02288)

Ajo John Doe (November 18, 2011)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY: November 18^th, 2011
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY: Ajo, Pima County, Arizona, 85321, USA (32°23’03.3”N 112°46’33.3”W (32.384250, -112.775917))
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2010 – 2011
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL¹: 2 months – 1 year
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Partial skeletal parts only
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
- SEX: Male
- ESTIMATED AGE²: 15 – 25 years old
- RACE: Hispanic
- WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
- HEIGHT: Cannot estimate
- EYE COLOUR: Unknown
- HAIR: Unknown
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES: None noted
BACKGROUND

On November 18^th, 2011, a human cranium was discovered in the desert near Pipeline Road in Ajo, Arizona. According to NamUs: “Cranium found in wash near Ajo, Arizona. No other remains or personal property found.”

It is believed the remains belonged to a Hispanic male between 15 to 25 years old. His weight, height, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined.

(*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.*)

NOTES – Things of note or discrepancies found during research
- ¹ POSTMORTEM INTERVAL – NamUs just notes “Months” while NCMEC notes “between 2 months and 1 year”. Humane Borders OpenGIS notes “< 3 months” for the postmortem interval.
- ² ESTIMATED AGE – NamUs notes 15 to 25, and under “Estimated Age” on NCMEC it also notes 15 to 25, but in the NCMEC description they note “between 15 and 18 years of age.”
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 Sheriff’s Department
- Agency Phone Number: 520-351-4600
- Agency Case Number: 111118187
AGENCY TWO
- 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 11-02288
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NCMEC Case Number: 1250498
- NamUs Case Number: #UP10098
REFERENCES
May 6, 2026
Ajo John Doe (February 2025)
Stock image of the kind of shoes found (white “U.S. Polo Assn.” size US Mens 8)

Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants Screenshot of coordinates (32.316303, -113.130572) and case information (ML 25-0640)

Ajo John Doe (February 2025)
- DATE OF DISCOVERY¹: February 12^th, 2025
- LOCATION OF DISCOVERY²: Ajo, Pima County, Arizona, 85321, USA (32°18’58.7”N 113°07’50.1”W (32.316303, -113.130572))
- ESTIMATED YEAR OF DEATH: 2010 – 2023
- POSTMORTEM INTERVAL: Approximately 2 – 15 years
- CONDITION OF REMAINS: Not recognizable – Partial skeletal parts only
- CAUSE OF DEATH: Not stated/Unknown
- SEX: Male
- ESTIMATED AGE GROUP: Adult – Pre 60
- RACE: Uncertain
- WEIGHT: Cannot estimate
- HEIGHT: Cannot estimate
- EYE COLOUR: Unknown
- HAIR: Unknown
- DISTINGUISHING MARKS/FEATURES:
  - Missing first molars on right and left side of lower jaw
BACKGROUND

On February 12^th, 2025, partial skeletal remains were found in the remote desert West of Ajo, Arizona.

NamUs states “Skeletal elements were discovered in a remote desert location by private citizens (USBP)”

Authorities believe that the remains had been at that location for 2 to 15 years prior to discovery.

The victim is believed to be an adult (pre 60 years old) Hispanic male. Due to the condition of his remains, his race, weight, height, eye colour, and hair colour could not be determined. He was missing the first molars on the right and left side of his lower jaw.

Nearby, a red collared sweater with snap buttons “to be worn down or snapped up as a turtleneck”, white tennis shoes/sneakers, and a gray blanket with stripes were found.

(*I will be doing a lot of cases of Doe’s who likely 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
- Red collared sweater with snap buttons “to be worn down or snapped up as a turtleneck” (Brand “Banana Republic”; size “Large”)
- White tennis shoes/sneakers (Brand “U.S. Polo Assn.”; size “US Mens 8”)
- Gray blanket with stripes
NOTES – Things to note or discrepancies found during research
- ¹ DATE OF DISCOVERY – NamUs notes the date of discovery as February 12^th, 2025, while the Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants map notes the reporting date as February 8^th, 2025.
- ² LOCATION OF DISCOVERY – NamUs notes the Location as “W of Ajo”. I just wanted to note this.
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 Phone Number: 520-724-8600
- Agency Case Number: 25-0640
AGENCY TWO
- Agency Name: Pima County Sheriff’s Department
- Agency Phone Number: 520-351-4600
- Agency Case Number: 250212239
OTHER INFORMATION/CASE NUMBERS
- NamUs Case Number: #UP148666
REFERENCES
- NamUs (#UP148666)
- Arizona OpenGIS Initiative for Deceased Migrants (ML 25-0640)
May 5, 2026