TX TX- Carlos Joaquin Zuniga, 35, McKinney, 31 Jan 2008

[Pennysmom1]

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

<<ZUNIGA LEFT THE RESIDENCE ON 1/31/2008. POSSIBLY HEADED TO FLORIDA. DRIVING A 2005 COPPER RED MAZDA MIATA CONVERTIBLE TX LP 991GXD.>>

Carlos Joaquin Zuniga – The Charley Project

• 

Zuniga, circa 2008

• Missing Since 01/31/2008
• Missing From McKinney, Texas
• Classification Missing
• Sex Male
• Race Hispanic
• Date of Birth 01/08/1973 (52)
• Age 35 years old
• Height and Weight 5'6 - 5'8, 140 - 150 pounds
• 
  
• Associated Vehicle(s) Copper-colored 2005 Mazda Miata Merlot Mica convertible with the Texas license plate number 991GXD
• 
  
• Distinguishing Characteristics Hispanic male. Black hair, brown eyes.

Details of Disappearance​

Zuniga was last seen in McKinney, Texas on January 31, 2008. He has never been heard from again. Zuniga may be driving a copper-colored 2005 Mazda Miata Merlot Mica convertible with the Texas license plate number 991GXD. Few details are available in his case.

 

[Pennysmom1]

TxDPS Missing and Unidentified Persons Online Bulletin

Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse Online Bulletin, Browse photos and searchable bulletins of missing persons, abductors, and unidentified persons, a central repository for information and pictures of missing and unidentified persons in Texas.

www.dps.texas.gov

 

[TX_PJ]

This is a very early thought and I have done very preliminary “research” but…his disappearance seems to really fit with Israel Keyes…has anyone looked much into this?

What I looked at so far :

• January 28, 2008: American Airlines and Alaska Airlines flights (Anchorage, Alaska to Dallas, Texas to Mobile, Alabama).
• January 28 - February 6, 2008: Vehicle rental (Thrifty); 2008 Hyundai Sonata, Alabama license plate 95B9427; drove 691 miles - Mobile, Alabama.
• February 2, 2008: Transaction (Fleet Travel Center) - Slidell, Louisiana.
• February 6, 2008: American Airlines flight (Mobile, Alabama to Dallas, Texas).
• February 6, 2008: Alaska Airlines flight (Dallas, Texas to Seattle, Washington).

Above is a portion of the Israel Keyes timeline provided by the FBI-in bold and italics shows where I think provides some backing for the theory Keyes could be responsible. Zuniga could have very possibly traveled that route if going from McKInney, TX to Florida. There are also lakes within very close proximity (Keyes known to place victims in lakes).

I want to look into if there are any transactions known/public of Zuniga and if so where/when. Also curious if car was ever recovered. Anyways, if you’ve read this far, thank you. It’s a long shot but I’m intrigued.

P

 

[TX_PJ]

5/22/25: I submitted a records request to the McKinney PD. I hope due to the age of the case and lack of any leads they’ll release SOMETHING instead of the usual “this is an open case we can’t release anything” answer. I also left a VM with the detective listed for the case.