Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Michael Small missing person case profile photo

Michael Small Missing Person Case

Last seen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Jul 28, 1980

Create Press Release
Create Social Post
Create Flyer

Victim Details

Jun 15, 2015

Sep 9, 2022

Michael

Small

73

27

71 inches

135 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jul 28, 1980

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Milwaukee County

16805

Milwaukee Police Department - Sensitive Crimes Division

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Milwaukee County

53233

Keyona Vines

Police Officer

619 West Walnut Street, Wisconsin

4149357405

Local

Law Enforcement

https://city.milwaukee.gov/police/Police-Units-Partners/scd

100450108

Milwaukee Police Department - Sensitive Crimes Division

Brown

Brown

Brown

Oct 2, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP29102) and 12 other sources
Michael Small, a 27-year-old man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was reported missing on July 28, 1980. His sudden disappearance alarmed family and friends, who described him as a sociable and hardworking individual. Michael was last seen in the Milwaukee area, and when he did not return home, his loved ones quickly contacted local authorities, initiating an immediate search for him.

In the days following Michael's disappearance, law enforcement conducted a comprehensive investigation, including searches of local parks, neighborhoods, and businesses where he was known to frequent. They interviewed friends, family, and acquaintances in hopes of uncovering leads. Despite these diligent efforts, the investigation faced significant challenges, and no substantial information emerged, leaving his family distraught and searching for answers.

As the years went by, Michael's family remained committed to raising awareness about his case. They utilized various channels, including community events and social media, to keep his story alive and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The ongoing search for Michael Small underscores the broader issue of missing persons and the emotional impact on families. His loved ones continue to hold onto hope that new information will eventually surface, bringing closure to a case that has haunted them for decades.
Last Seen: Jul 28, 1980

Links to Additional Sources (12)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Michael Dennis Small - Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy Inc's
  • Michael Dennis Small - The Charley Project
  • Michael Small | International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom
  • Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy
  • Michael Dennis... - Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy, Inc
  • Wisconsin Missing Persons | Clearinghouse for Missing & Exploited ...
  • Missing person Michael Small from Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Facebook
  • Michael Small (WI, 1980) possibly Doe found in NY 1988? - Reddit
  • Michael Dennis Small - CrimeTea
  • [PDF] Michael Small - MISSING PERSON
  • WI - Michael Dennis Small, 27, Milwaukee - MP29102 - 28 July 1980

    • 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.

    79%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP128976
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP128976 • Found Nov 20, 1992
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 35–45 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 81%80 mi away
    TimingFound 12 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"
    Weight 89%114 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP8357 • Found Oct 8, 2006
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 40–55 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 82%75 mi away
    TimingFound 26 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
    Weight 83%160 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    78%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP122451
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP122451 • Found Sep 3, 1988
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 82%75 mi away
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"
    Weight 43%182 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    78%Possible
    John Doe — Indiana - unidentified case UP4851
    John Doe — Indiana
    UP4851 • Found Jun 9, 1985
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 70%126 mi away
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'11"
    Weight 83%160 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP129118 • Found Apr 1, 1999
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%83 mi away
    TimingFound 19 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
    Weight 49%179 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP124430 • Found Aug 1, 1989
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%81 mi away
    TimingFound 9 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
    Weight 34%186 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP124460
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP124460 • Found Jan 25, 1989
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%81 mi away
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"
    Weight 87%113 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Illinois - unidentified case UP14344
    John Doe — Illinois
    UP14344 • Found Mar 16, 1986
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 78%91 mi away
    TimingFound 6 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"
    Weight 100%140 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 0%Blue vs Brown
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP11512
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP11512 • Found May 2, 2013
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%81 mi away
    TimingFound 33 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'11"
    Weight 99%149 lb vs 135 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP129128
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP129128 • Found Mar 1, 1999
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 27 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%81 mi away
    TimingFound 19 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'9" vs 5'11"
    Weight 84%159 lb vs 135 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.

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (1)

    Michael Small was 27 when he was reported missing from Milwaukee on July 28, 1980. Family and... ...Read More
    07/08/2024

    Other Missing Cases from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Richard Guerrero missing person case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Richard Guerrero

    Missing: Mar 24, 1988
    On March 24, 1988, 22-year-old Richard Guerrero left his family's home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with ...Read More
    George Spears missing person case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    George Spears

    Missing: Oct 1, 2021
    In the autumn of 2021, a young man's disappearance from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began a period of ...Read More
    Joseph Antczak missing person case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Joseph Antczak

    Missing: May 12, 1984
    Joseph Edward Antczak, a 64-year-old man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was last seen on May 12, 1984. ...Read More
    Manuel Ordonez missing person case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Manuel Ordonez

    Missing: Nov 6, 1982
    Manuel Ordonez, a 37-year-old man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was reported missing on November 6 ...Read More
    Carvell Jennings missing person case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Carvell Jennings

    Missing: May 12, 2024
    In May of 2024, the family and community of Carvell Jennings, a 59-year-old man from Milwaukee ...Read More
    Daquarius Davis missing person case in MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin

    Daquarius Davis

    Missing: Jun 18, 2025
    In the early summer of 2025, a significant concern arose in the community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin ...Read More
    Davione Mccall missing person case in MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin

    Davione Mccall

    Missing: Aug 9, 2025
    In the late summer of 2025, the community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was marked by the unsettling ...Read More