The person at the center of this case
Joshua Cortez Hayes
Missing Person · Open
6 years waiting · since 2020
Missing Person: Joshua Cortez Hayes
Justice for Joshua Cortez Hayes — the trail went cold in 2020, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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witness
Lead #1What did the witness observe about the gunshots—their direction, number, and timing relative to Hayes's departure?
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evidence
Lead #2Were ballistics or shell casings recovered in the rear area where gunshots were heard?
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suspect
Lead #3Were there any known conflicts or threats involving Joshua Hayes prior to his disappearance?
Joshua Cortez Hayes, a 33-year-old Black male, disappeared on January 26, 2020, after leaving an apartment in St. Louis, Missouri; a witness reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly after he left the residence. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and the circumstances surrounding the gunshots suggest potential foul play. Anyone with information about Joshua's location or the events of that day is urged to contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
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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.
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location
Lead #4Has a thorough search been conducted in the vicinity of the apartment complex and surrounding areas?
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 MP64828. Missing person: Joshua Cortez Hayes.
Last known contact: 2020-01-26 in St. Louis, St.
Louis, MO. Circumstances: Joshua Hayes was last seen leaving an apartment in the 5400 block of Arlington Avenue in St.
Louis, Missouri on 1/26/2020. Witness stated shortly after Hayes left the residence, she heard multiple gun shots in the rear and hasn't seen Hayes since.
Joshua was wearing black Puma sweatpants, a gray zip up jacket and black Nike slide on shoes. Demographics: 33 years, Male, Black / African American.
Physical description: 5 ft 6 in, 170 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Black Jacket; Clothing: Black Puma Pants; Clothing: Nike Flip Flops.
Investigating agency: St Louis Metropolitan Police Department | 20-004496.
Timeline of Events
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2020-01-26
Joshua Hayes last seen leaving apartment
Joshua Cortez Hayes was last seen leaving an apartment in the 5400 block of Arlington Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. He was wearing black Puma sweatpants, a gray zip-up jacket, and black Nike slide-on shoes.
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2020-01-26
Gunshots reported near residence
A witness stated that shortly after Hayes left the residence, she heard multiple gunshots in the rear area and has not seen Hayes since.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 26, 2020
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3142311212
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Case Information
Incident:January 26, 2020
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3142311212
You can remain anonymous