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Antonio Vela Jr. Missing Person Case

Last seen in Victoria, Texas on Jun 15, 2017

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Victim Details

Jun 30, 2017

Mar 14, 2020

Antonio

Vela Jr.

45

36

69 inches

175 lbs

Hispanic / Latino

Male

Jun 15, 2017

Victoria

Texas

Victoria County

34654

Victoria Police Department

Victoria

Texas

Victoria County

77901

Melissa Rendon

306 South Bridge Street, Texas

3615733221

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.victoriatx.org/departments/police

VPD 2017-006631

Victoria Police Department

na

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 10, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP38877) and 8 other sources
Antonio Vela Jr., a 36-year-old man from Victoria, Texas, was last seen on June 15, 2017. That evening, Antonio, who was also known as "TJ," spent time at a local bar and left just before closing, telling the bartender he planned to get some food and head home. However, he never made it back. The next morning, his roommate found his phone and snacks scattered on the ground in their garage, but Antonio and his car were missing, raising immediate concern.

The following day, Antonio’s car was discovered abandoned outside the city in Inez, Texas, with no sign of him. Despite extensive searches and continued efforts by his family and law enforcement, no further clues have been found, and his disappearance remains unsolved. His family continues to seek answers, working with the Victoria Police Department and Crime Stoppers in hopes of finding any information that could lead to his whereabouts.
Last Seen: Jun 15, 2017

Links to Additional Sources (8)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Sister of missing Antonio 'TJ' Vela Jr. still thinks of him daily six years ...">Sister of missing Antonio 'TJ' Vela Jr. still thinks of him daily six years ...
  • Victoria family continues search of Antonio Vela Jr. | News
  • Victoria Crimestoppers looking for information regarding an ongoing ...
  • Five years after his disappearance, Antonio “TJ” Vela's family casts ...
  • NEW: Who was Antonio Vela Jr. talking to the night he vanished?
  • EPISODE 334: Antonio
  • Victoria Police still searching for Antonio Vela, Jr., missing since 2017
  • What Happened to Antonio Vela Jr? - Claudia Rivero

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (6)

    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.

    77%Possible
    John Doe — Texas - unidentified case UP71301
    John Doe — Texas
    UP71301 • Found Jun 19, 2020
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 38–52 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 65%151 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6"–5'10" vs 5'9"
    Weight 100%160–180 lb vs 175 lb
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Texas
    UP55325 • Found Feb 15, 2018
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 36
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 66%144 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 8 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 5'9"
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Austin, Texas
    UP132777 • Found Sep 29, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 73%110 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"
    Weight 100%181 lb vs 175 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Rosenberg, Texas
    UP139972 • Found Jun 17, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 28–42 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 79%85 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'4"–5'8" vs 5'9"
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Brownsville, Texas - unidentified case UP127601
    John Doe — Brownsville, Texas
    UP127601 • Found Jun 18, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 38–52 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 56%197 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'9"
    Weight 100%160 lb vs 175 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Sarita, Texas
    UP100298 • Found May 10, 2018
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 91%Est. 38–52 vs 36
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 71%119 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 11 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'9"

    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.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Antonio Vela Jr., 36, known as TJ, was last seen in Victoria, Texas, on June 15, 2017. That evening... ...Read More
    04/09/2024

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