The person at the center of this case
John Johnson
Missing Person · Open
29 years waiting · since 1996
Missing Person: John Johnson
Justice for John Johnson — the trail went cold in 1996, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What was the significance of the specific clothing he was wearing—the black fur hat with earflaps, blue coat, and blue pants—and have these items ever been located?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any witnesses who saw John Johnson on or after December 11, 1996 in Des Moines?
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clue
Lead #3What were the exact circumstances that led to his disappearance being reported, and was there any indication of foul play or voluntary departure?
John Johnson, a 71-year-old man, was reported missing in Des Moines, Iowa on December 11, 1996. He was last seen wearing a black fur hat with earflaps, a blue coat, and blue pants. Despite the passage of time, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, and investigators continue to seek information that might help locate him or determine what happened.
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP17040. Missing person: John Johnson.
Last known contact: 1996-12-11 in Des Moines, Polk, IA. Circumstances: Reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on 12/11/96.
Demographics: 71 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 190 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Last seen wearing a black fur hat with earflaps, a blue coat, blue pants/trousers, and possibly some type of flannel shirt.; Eyewear: He does not wear glasses per the police report.. Investigating agency: Des Moines Police Department | 1996-53788 | 1996-12-11.
Timeline of Events
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1996-12-11
John Johnson reported missing
71-year-old John Johnson was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on December 11, 1996. Last known contact was in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 11, 1996
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
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Case Information
Incident:December 11, 1996
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous