By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Adobe are joining forces at San Diego Comic-Con, inviting attendees to witness how art, technology and a little real-world heroism can help solve one of NCMEC’s most enduring unidentified child cases.
Throughout Comic-Con, NCMEC forensic artist Joe Mullins will complete a live facial reconstruction of a teenager known only as John Spring Valley Doe 1999 at the Adobe Booth (#4313). Using a 3D-printed replica of the child’s skull, traditional sculpting techniques and Adobe creative tools, Mullins will recreate what the young man may have looked like in life in hopes that someone recognizes him and finally gives him back his identity.
On Jan. 2, 1999, the unidentified teen was found floating in the Sweetwater Reservoir in Spring Valley, California. Investigators believe he had been in the water for one to two days. He is believed to have been Asian, between 16 and 18 years old, approximately 5 feet, 6½ inches tall and weighed about 166 pounds.
“Comic-Con is filled with stories about heroes who fight for people they’ve never met,” said Gavin Portnoy, vice president of communications at NCMEC. “This is a chance to do that in real life. Every person who walks by this reconstruction could be the one who recognizes a face, remembers a detail or helps return this young man his name. You don’t need a cape to change someone’s story. Sometimes all it takes is paying attention.”
Visitors are encouraged to stop by Booth #4313 to watch the reconstruction take shape, learn about the science behind forensic facial reconstruction and discover how artists, creators and everyday people can play a role in helping children.
The activation highlights the ongoing partnership between NCMEC and Adobe, showcasing how creativity and technology can work together to generate new leads, raise awareness and help bring answers to families and investigators.
Anyone with information about John Spring Valley Doe 1999 is urged to contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
