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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witness
Lead #1Did anyone see a 71-year-old man wearing a distinctive black fur hat with earflaps, blue coat, and blue pants in Des Moines on December 11, 1996?
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clue
Lead #2What were the specific circumstances that led to John Johnson being reported missing on the day he disappeared?
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timeline
Lead #3Where was John Johnson between his last known contact on December 11, 1996, and when he was reported missing?
John Johnson, a 71-year-old man, disappeared in Des Moines, Iowa on December 11, 1996, after last being seen that day. He was wearing distinctive winter clothing including a black fur hat with earflaps and a blue coat. Despite the passage of decades, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, and investigators continue to seek information from anyone who may have encountered him.
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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 8, 2026
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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