Marcelino Serna

On the morning of November 2, 1979, Marcelino Crasogio Serna’s family left for work early and returned around 6 PM to find the front door locked and a partially eaten banana on the kitchen table. Marcelino’s glasses, Bible, suitcase, and clothing were still in his room. Marcelino’s family searched for several hours and contacted local hospitals but was unable to find Marcelino. Marcelino had a history of walking away, usually found near Adams and Magnolia streets. He frequently walked the streets of Riverside, sometimes covering up to 10 miles a day, often walking to pay for utilities or visit the barber shop. Marcelino typically carried $300 on him and often stopped for coffee at Howard Johnson’s near Tyler and the 91 freeway. Police searched nearby fields next to the restaurant but did not locate him. Family placed an ad in the paper requesting information. A woman responded, saying she saw an elderly man matching Marcelino’s description hitchhiking on December 3, 1979, near Arlington and Streeter. Another person reported seeing a man with a cane matching his description on December 7, 1979, near Van Buren and Magnolia.

CaseTrace is not an emergency reporting system. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For official tips or urgent case information, contact the investigating agency directly.

CaseTrace is for awareness and responsible information sharing only. Do not approach, confront, follow, accuse, or investigate anyone based on case information. Submit credible information through the proper tip channel or contact the investigating agency directly. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Submitted tips are not displayed publicly. They are intended for authorized review only.

Helpful tips include where, when, what you saw, vehicle details, direction of travel, photos, or other specific facts. Avoid guesses, rumors, or accusations.

Do not submit false, harassing, threatening, or intentionally misleading information.