Authorities release age-progressed image in Arizona missing persons case from 2008

Authorities released a new age-progression image Thursday in hopes of generating leads in the disappearance of Darian Ray Nevayaktewa, who went missing in Arizona 18 years ago.

Nevayaktewa was 19 when he disappeared June 19, 2008, from Kykotsmovi Village on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona.

He was last seen at a gathering near Pumpkin Seed Hill while visiting his father at the end of the school year. At the time, he lived in New Mexico with his mother, Lynette Pino.

Pino shared the following public message from the family, which is still searching for answers:

“We have been searching for Darian since June 2008. If anyone out there knows anything, please come forward. Darian, we miss you. We love you. We will never stop searching for you. Please help us bring Darian home.”

She said he wanted to see his dad and was only on the reservation for about a week before he disappeared.

Who created the age-progression image of the missing man?

The image shows what Nevayaktewa might look like today at 37 years old. It was created by forensic artists with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Investigators hope it will bring renewed attention to the case and encourage someone to come forward with information.

Charles Addington, principal director of Justice Services and Law Enforcement for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said time does not diminish the importance of finding answers.

“Age-progression images can generate new leads in long-term missing cases. We encourage the public to carefully review Darian’s image and share it widely. A single tip could help bring him home,” Addington said.

Where to send tips in Darian Nevayaktewa case

Anyone with information on Darian or his disappearance is asked to call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arizona at 1-833-560-2065.

Information can also be emailed to the BIA at OJS_MMU@bia.gov. Submit anonymous tips by texting the bureau at 847411.

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