Community Tip and Genealogy Research Aid in Identifying Missouri Street John Doe from 2004

Identification of Missouri Street John Doe: A Breakthrough in Genetic Genealogy

A significant development in the case of Missouri Street John Doe has emerged, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a team from the DNA Doe Project. The endeavor to identify the deceased man began in August 2023, following preliminary investigations by students from Ramapo College’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program. This initiative highlights the advanced role that genetic genealogy plays in solving cold cases, particularly those involving unidentified individuals.

Initial analyses indicated the man, whose remains were found in 2004, possessed Ecuadorean ancestry, primarily traced back to the Guayas province in Ecuador. However, the investigation faced notable challenges, including the scarcity of formal records and the complexities posed by endogamy—a situation where family members marry within a closed community. Despite these obstacles, the dedicated team persevered, and by October 2023, they publicly confirmed Missouri Street John Doe’s Ecuadorean heritage.

A key turning point in the case occurred in September 2025, when a member of the public provided critical information suggesting that the unidentified individual could be Isidro Marcelo Guzmán Quinde, a missing person reported from Guayas, Ecuador. Born in 1963, Guzmán Quinde’s connection to the case was subsequently validated by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, confirming that he was, indeed, the individual found on Missouri Street.

Background of the Case

The story of Missouri Street John Doe began on April 3, 2004, when an anonymous caller from a payphone in Tucson, Arizona, reported the disturbing discovery of a body in a dumpster located at 1935 East Missouri Street. Responding authorities uncovered the remains of an adult Hispanic male, estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old, standing approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 115 pounds. This individual had distinctive physical features, including a black mustache, medium-length black hair, and brown eyes.

Investigators determined that he had likely died just days prior to the discovery. Among the notable characteristics were a removable denture and an amateur tattoo on his left forearm, thought to depict an assault rifle with a shoulder strap. The deceased was found dressed in size 30 “Bosse” jeans and two pairs of socks—one black and another off-white—while only one shoe, a black “HGH” brand sneaker, covered his right foot. These details paint a vivid picture of the man’s identity and circumstances leading up to his untimely demise.

The successful identification of Isidro Marcelo Guzmán Quinde not only serves as a testament to the advancements in investigative techniques but also sheds light on the profound impact such cases have on families and communities. As forensic science continues to evolve and collaborate with genetic genealogy, the potential for uncovering the identities of missing persons remains promising.

For additional information, visit the DNA Doe Project’s case page.