Missing Person Day could never be a happy one

If you’re missing a loved one in San Diego County, March 19 is not a date you’ll look forward to marking on your calendar, but it may bring closure to your predicament.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office will be hosting an “Identify the Missing” day. County residents who have missing family members are encouraged to show up to the medical examiner’s offices at 5570 Overland #101, in Clairemont Mesa, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Forensic investigators and law enforcement will be on hand to work with families to hopefully identify the 153 deceased John and Jane Does on file, who were found in San Diego County since the year 2000. Help is also asked from families of the 3175 active missing-person cases on file.

Families are encouraged to bring at least two biologically related family members for DNA swab sampling; if available, also provide dental and medical records and photos of the missing individuals.

The San Diego medical examiner can also help families with the California Department of Justice’s continued search to identify the 3121 John and Jane Doe cases around the state, and the 19,897 active missing-person cases.

(revised 3/14, 1:50 p.m.)