Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP56722) and 5 other sources
Daniel Elijah Esses, age 19, was last seen on April 24, 1994, in Merced, California. At the time of his disappearance, Daniel was under observation at the Merced Manor, a healthcare facility. He reportedly ran away from the facility that day and has not been heard from since. Daniel had several distinguishing features, including a birthmark on his nose and significant physical disabilities. He was missing all the toes on his left foot and four toes on his right foot, as well as several fingers.

On the day he vanished, Daniel was wearing a black shirt, dark blue jacket, dark blue pants, and black leather shoes. Despite an extensive search, little information has emerged about his whereabouts. His case remains classified as an endangered missing person, and the Merced Police Department continues to handle the investigation.

Given his dependency on care and medical attention, Daniel's disappearance is particularly concerning. There have been no significant developments in the years following his disappearance, leaving his case unsolved and his family still searching for answers.

Last Seen: Apr 24, 1994

Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

81%Moderate
John Doe — Fresno, California - unidentified case UP15834
John Doe — Fresno, California
UP15834 • Found Oct 5, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 88%53 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%136 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — San Jose, California - unidentified case UP125517
John Doe — San Jose, California
UP125517 • Found Feb 11, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–32 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 81%77 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%125 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
81%Moderate
John Doe — Glamis, California - unidentified case UP15319
John Doe — Glamis, California
UP15319 • Found Oct 2, 1995
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 15–22 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 75%Same state
TimingFound 17 months after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'5"
Weight 89%150 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
80%Moderate
John Doe — Calexico, California
UP15316 • Found Jun 10, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 75%Same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
Weight 74%160 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
79%Possible
John Doe — Stockton, California - unidentified case UP50599
John Doe — Stockton, California
UP50599 • Found Jul 12, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 85%63 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%135 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
78%Possible
John Doe — Fresno, California - unidentified case UP128534
John Doe — Fresno, California
UP128534 • Found Jan 4, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 88%55 mi away, same state
TimingFound 30 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–5'8" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%115–125 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Coalinga, California
UP15833 • Found Jul 15, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 30–35 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 80%81 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 84%5'3" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%132 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Turlock, California
UP50957 • Found Jul 11, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 65%Est. 30–45 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 84%5'7" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%130–180 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Sacramento, California
UP2373 • Found Sep 7, 1994
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 19
Race 100%White
Location 74%107 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 months after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%120 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Selma, California - unidentified case UP144687
John Doe — Selma, California
UP144687 • Found May 27, 1994
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 8–22 vs 19
Race 60%Hispanic
Location 84%70 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 weeks after last seen
Height 68%5'2" vs 5'5"
Weight 100%137 lb vs 130 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.