Unidentified Persons

If you are a friend or family member searching for a missing loved one, click the button at the right to view a listing of the Unidentified Decedent Fliers.

Please be aware that some images could be considered graphic and may be upsetting to some individuals.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences works to identify and reunite deceased individuals received by the Institute with their families. For those decedents who are unable to be identified, the Institute creates and makes available to the public Unidentified Decedent Fliers that include descriptions of each of the deceased in hopes of returning them to their families.

The list of Unidentified Decedent Fliers is organized by the date the deceased individual was received at the Institute of Forensic Sciences. If you are searching for a loved one, please keep in mind that there may be both short and long periods of time that pass between when the person was last seen living and when they are received by the Institute.

In addition, the fliers feature descriptions of the deceased, including demographics (estimated age, race, sex and stature), scars, marks, tattoos, and personal items found on or near the deceased individual. Other descriptors are estimated using pathologic, anthropologic and dental findings. Possible matches should not be eliminated based on strict comparison with the estimates and information provided.

For information on possible matches on Unidentified Persons, contact the Institute at:

(832) 927-5000

For individuals who need to report a missing loved one, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
Only a law enforcement agency can initiate a regional and national search for unidentified persons.

Missing in Harris County Day

The 2021 Missing in Harris County Day | Saturday, August 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Children's Assessment Center | 2500 Bolsover Street | Houston, TX 77005
For more information: Texas Center for the Missing

The National Institute of Justice's National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

NamUs is a national, centralized repository and resource center for missing persons. It is a bilingual, free online system searchable by law enforcement officials, medical examiner personnel and the general public in hopes of resolving these cases. NameUs also provides free DNA testing and other forensic services such as anthropology and odontology assistance. Click the image to the left to visit their site.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

The Forensic Services Unit assists law enforcement and medical examiners on cases of unidentified children. They will identify and coordinate field and forensic resources, provide analytical resources, case strategies, and opportunities to leverage current media trends to develop valuable leads. Click the image to the right to visit their site.