Description:
On July 22, 1979, the body of a boy was found on the beach at Borderfield State Park, half a mile north of the Mexican border, in Imperial Beach, California. He is believed to be Hispanic and between 12 and 16 years of age at the time of his death. He was 5’0″ tall, weighed 98 lbs, and he had straight, dark brown hair. The boy was found wearing Lee brand trousers.
The lab work for this case has been funded by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, with the DNA Doe Project providing the investigative genetic genealogy research pro bono.
NamUs ID:
UP62429
Agency Case ID:
1979-01646
Date Body Found:
22 July 1979
Race:
Hispanic/Latino
Sex:
Male
Estimated Age:
12-16
Estimated PMI:
Unknown
Agency of Jurisdiction:
San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office
Investigator Kat On
858-694-2905
mxinvestigations@sdcounty.ca.gov
More Information:
https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/62429?nav
https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMU/1184452/1
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Imperial_Beach_John_Doe_(1979)
Status:
Pending
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
