The person at the center of this case
Joseph Shelton
Missing Person · Open
6 years waiting · since 2020
Missing Person: Joseph Shelton
Justice for Joseph Shelton — the trail went cold in 2020, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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person
Lead #1What were the exact circumstances of the drop-off on January 17, 2020, and who dropped off Joseph and his siblings?
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witness
Lead #2Where was Joseph's mother and what account has she provided about the day he went missing?
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clue
Lead #3Why were three siblings also present during the drop-off, and what information have they provided?
Joseph Shelton, a 3-year-old boy, went missing on January 17, 2020, in Chula Vista, San Diego, after being dropped off with his mother along with three siblings. He has not been seen or heard from since that date, and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear. The Chula Vista Police Department continues to investigate, and anyone with information about Joseph's whereabouts 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.
📍
location
Lead #4Has a thorough search been conducted of the residence and surrounding areas in Chula Vista where Joseph was last seen?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP102495. Missing person: Joseph Shelton.
Last known contact: 2020-01-17 in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA. Circumstances: On 01/17/2020, Joseph and three (3) of his siblings were dropped off with their mother and not seen or heard from since.
Demographics: 3 years, Male, Black / African American. Physical description: 3 ft 0 in, 40 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Investigating agency: Chula Vista Police Department | 2001012 | 2020-01-21.
Timeline of Events
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2020-01-17
Joseph Shelton goes missing
Joseph Shelton, age 3, was dropped off with his mother and three siblings in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA and was not seen or heard from again.
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2020-01-21
Case reported to authorities
Chula Vista Police Department officially opened missing person case MP102495.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 17, 2020
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 6196915151
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Case Information
Incident:January 17, 2020
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 6196915151
You can remain anonymous