Description:
On July 4, 2006, the skeletal remains of a young Hispanic male were found in a desert area of Laveen, Arizona. It was later estimated that he had died up to three months before his body was discovered. A Mexican birth certificate, which listed the name “Oscar Antonio Mendoza Ruiz”, was found with his remains. However, investigators have not been able to tie this name to the unidentified male.
He was determined to be 16-24 years old at the time of his death, and it’s estimated that he was 5’5” tall. He had short, black hair, and he was found with a pair of brown sunglasses and an orange visor cap.
NamUs ID:
UP479
Date Body Found:
July 4, 2006
Race:
Hispanic/Latino
Sex:
Male
Estimated Age:
16-24
Estimated PMI:
Up to 3 months
Agency of Jurisdiction:
Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office
Christen Eggers
602-506-2083
christen.eggers@maricopa.gov
More Information:
https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/479?nav
https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMU/1184074/1
Status:
Active
Last Updated: July 29, 2026
