The person at the center of this case
Hanley Justin Ernst
Missing Person · Open
1 year waiting · since 2025
Missing Person: Hanley Justin Ernst
Justice for Hanley Justin Ernst — the trail went cold in 2025, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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witness
Lead #1What did the friend who accompanied Hanley to Dana Point observe that evening, and when was Hanley last directly seen?
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location
Lead #2Were there any specific fireworks viewing locations or events in Dana Point on July 4, 2025 that could help narrow the search area?
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timeline
Lead #3What time did Hanley and his friend arrive at Dana Point, and what were the exact circumstances of their separation?
Hanley Justin Ernst, a 48-year-old man from Laguna Niguel, California, went missing on July 4, 2025, after leaving his residence with a friend to watch fireworks in the Dana Point area and never returning home. He is described as a reliable family man who maintains regular contact with loved ones, making his disappearance highly unusual and concerning. The Orange County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating; anyone with information about his whereabouts or activities that evening is urged to contact authorities.
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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.
💡
clue
Lead #4A man wearing an orange and tan plaid tracksuit with white shoes may be distinctive—did anyone observe such a person in the Dana Point area that evening?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP147470. Missing person: Hanley Justin Ernst.
Last known contact: 2025-07-04 in Laguna Niguel, Orange, CA. Circumstances: Hanley was last seen leaving his residence with a friend to go watch fireworks in the Dana Point area.
Hanley never came home. Hanley has never gone missing before, and is always in contact with his family.
Demographics: 48 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 11 in, 151 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Orange and Tan Plaid Tracksuit, with white shoes. Investigating agency: Orange County Sheriff's Department | 25-023325 | 2025-07-05.
Timeline of Events
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2025-07-04
Last Known Contact
Hanley left his residence with a friend to watch fireworks in the Dana Point area.
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2025-07-05
Case Opened
Orange County Sheriff's Department opened missing person case MP147470 (Case #25-023325).
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 4, 2025
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
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Phone: 7146477000
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Case Information
Incident:July 4, 2025
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7146477000
You can remain anonymous