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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person
Lead #1Why did a 71-year-old man disappear without a trace in December 1996? What were the circumstances that led to his disappearance?
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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 #3The distinctive black fur hat with earflaps and blue coat are notable identifying features—did anyone report seeing a man matching this description?
John Johnson, a 71-year-old man, disappeared in Des Moines, Iowa on December 11, 1996, after being last seen wearing a black fur hat with earflaps and a blue coat. Despite the passage of nearly three decades, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear and the case remains unsolved. Anyone with information about John Johnson's whereabouts or what happened to him is urged to contact the Des Moines Police Department.
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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 last known contact in Des Moines, Polk, IA. Reported missing to Des Moines Police Department on 12/11/96. Last seen wearing black fur hat with earflaps, blue coat, blue pants, and possibly flannel shirt.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 11, 1996
Last Updated:September 8, 2026
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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 8, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous