The person at the center of this case
Esequivel Vargas Mora
Missing Person · Open
23 years waiting · since 2003
Missing Person: Esequivel Vargas Mora
Justice for Esequivel Vargas Mora — the trail went cold in 2003, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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location
Lead #1What specific landmarks or features near the railroad tracks and white water tower could help identify the exact location where Vargas Mora was last seen?
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witness
Lead #2Who were the members of the group crossing with Vargas Mora, and what accounts do they have of the circumstances that led to him being left behind?
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clue
Lead #3Have any remains or personal effects been discovered in the desert area near Milepost 6 on SR-85 that could be connected to this case?
Esequivel Vargas Mora, a 33-year-old male, went missing on July 16, 2003, while crossing into the United States near Gila Bend, Arizona; he became separated from his group in a remote desert area near Milepost 6 on SR-85. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, with limited information about search efforts or what happened after he was left behind. Anyone with information about Vargas Mora's whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance is urged to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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evidence
Lead #4What search efforts were conducted in the remote desert area, and what were the results?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP72209. Missing person: Esequivel Vargas Mora.
Last known contact: 2003-07-16 in Gila Bend, Maricopa, AZ. Circumstances: Esquivel Vargas Mora was crossing into the US when he was unable to continue with his group.
It was reported that he was left behind in the desert area of Milepost 6 on SR-85, south of Gila Bend. The area was described as having railroad tracks with three tunnels under it, a roadside shrine and a white water tower visible in the distance.
Demographics: 33 years, Male, Hispanic / Latino. Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 300 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown.
Investigating agency: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office | 03-024253 | 2003-08-11.
Timeline of Events
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2003-07-16
Last known contact
Esequivel Vargas Mora last known to be in the desert area near Milepost 6 on SR-85, south of Gila Bend, when he became separated from his group while crossing into the US
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2003-08-11
Case reported
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office opened investigation case MP72209 / 03-024253
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 16, 2003
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 6028761000
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Case Information
Incident:July 16, 2003
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 6028761000
You can remain anonymous