Joseph Hurtado

Left: Joseph circa, 1974

Right: Age Progressed to age 46


Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: September 9, 1974

Missing From: El Paso, El Paso County, Texas

Classification: Non-Family Abduction

Date Of Birth: January 5, 1973

Age: 1 year old

Height and Weight: 2’6″ and 22 pounds

Distinguishing Characteristics: Hispanic Male, Brown hair, Brown eyes, Joseph was born with having club feet and was wearing orthopedic shoes to help correct them, if he goes a long time without wearing them then he can develop severe intoeing or Pigeon toes later in life, Joseph has a brown birthmark on his back located near his right kidney

Clothing/Jewelry Description: A red jumper, blue socks, and brown high top orthopedic shoes

NCMEC Number: 601771


Details of Disappearance

Joseph Hurtado was last seen in El Paso, Texas on September 9th 1974. He was last scene as he walked to his grandmothers home in the 800 block of Elmwood Court. His mother was outside at the time and waging the family car while his father was inside their house.

Joseph would continuously go to one parent whether it was his mother or father so when he vanished, both parents thought he was with the other. Everyone who lived in the area at the time were ruled out as suspects, including his parents, who are now divorced.

Authorities also searched the Rio Grande as the possibility came that the boy may have drowned but no trace of him was found in the water so authorities deemed a catastrophe as unlikely. Authorities suspect that Hurtado was kidnapped while walking.

A neighbor reported seeing a blue Ford on the street at the time when Joseph was walking and it disappeared when he did. Authorities do not know if the vehicle was involved in Joseph’s abduction. Authorities have a suspect in his presumed kidnapping and murder.

The person has not been named publicly but authorities brought their case to a grand jury but the jury didn’t issue any indictments.

Joseph’s abduction remains unsolved. He has never been located.


Investigating Agency

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

El Paso County Sheriffs Office 915-546-2291


Source Information

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The Charley Project

The Doe Network

NamUs