Vanished in the Desert: The Unsolved Disappearance of Richard Elias Rodriguez

A Young Man’s Life Interrupted

Richard Elias Rodriguez, affectionately known as "Ricky" to his family and friends, was a 22-year-old Hispanic male residing in Phoenix, Arizona. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds, Ricky had distinctive features, including black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos bearing the names "Rodriguez" on his back and "Eileen" on the left side of his chest. He also had a small chickenpox scar above his left eye and a scar on his chest. Ricky's top teeth were slightly crooked, adding to his unique appearance.

The Night He Disappeared

On the evening of October 10, 1997, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Ricky made a phone call to his mother. During this conversation, he mentioned that a friend was coming to see him and that he planned to visit her afterward. This was the last time anyone heard from Ricky. Despite his intentions, he never arrived at his mother's home, and subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

Immediate Concerns and Investigation

Ricky's sudden disappearance raised immediate concerns among his family and the Phoenix Police Department. Given the abrupt cessation of contact and the lack of any known reasons for him to vanish voluntarily, foul play was suspected from the outset. The Phoenix Police Department initiated an investigation, classifying Ricky as an endangered missing person.

Physical Identifiers and Forensic Data

In efforts to aid the investigation, detailed physical descriptions and identifiers were documented. Ricky's tattoos, scars, and dental records were noted, and DNA samples were submitted for analysis. These measures were taken to facilitate identification in the event that remains were discovered. Despite these efforts, no matches have been found to date. ...Read More

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