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NCMEC and Adobe Join Forces at Comic-Con

This week, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Adobe are collaborating at Comic-Con to tackle one of the most distressing unidentified child cases. From July 24th to 27th, visitors will have the unique opportunity to watch a forensic artist perform a live facial reconstruction at Adobe's booth (#4313). This initiative aims to shed light on a young boy known only as 'John San Diego Doe 2004.'

The forensic team will utilize advanced methods, including 3D printing, clay modeling, and Adobe’s cutting-edge software, to create a physical representation based on actual scans of the child's skull. The objective is to recreate an image of how the child might have appeared in life, bringing them one step closer to being identified.

The remains of this unidentified boy were discovered on May 4, 2004, in a wooded area near an I-15 exit in Rancho Bernardo, California. He was found hidden inside a green and brown duffel bag, indicating a potentially grim past. Investigators believe the boy, estimated to be between 7 and 10 years old at the time of his death, had likely been deceased for more than a year. More than two decades have passed since the discovery, yet his identity remains a mystery despite extensive forensic and police efforts.

Gavin Portnoy, NCMEC's Vice President of Communications, emphasized the urgency of identifying this child: "This boy deserves to be known. He deserves justice. Whenever we conduct a facial reconstruction like this, it creates a connection between the public and a child who has no voice. Someone, somewhere knows who he is, and we are trying to reach that individual."

Comic-Con attendees are encouraged to visit booth #4313 at the San Diego Convention Center throughout the event duration. Attendees will not only observe the intriguing reconstruction process but will also learn how digital tools can facilitate the identification of missing and unidentified children, making a difference in the lives of families impacted by such tragedies.

This year's initiative is part of a broader partnership between NCMEC and Adobe, aimed at inspiring civic action, raising awareness, and demonstrating how everyday individuals—including artists, educators, and Comic-Con fans—can play a super-heroic role in supporting children in need.

Members of the media are invited to attend, capture footage of the ongoing facial reconstruction, and speak with NCMEC representatives in person.

Anyone with information regarding 'John San Diego Doe 2004' is urged to contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).