In a significant development, Texas authorities have resolved a missing persons cold case over five decades after the young individual disappeared in East Dallas.
Norman Prater was reported missing to the Dallas Police Department (DPD) on January 14, 1973. At the time, the 16-year-old was last observed walking with friends in the area.
Later that year, in July, Texas officials thought they had identified a connection when an ‘unidentified white male was killed in a hit-and-run incident’ on Highway 35 in Rockport. Despite initial suspicions, the two cases were deemed unrelated, and the victim’s identity remained a mystery for 52 years.
In a recent review of the case, police have reportedly ‘established a potential link between the two seemingly separate incidents’.
Recent efforts by the Aransas County Medical Examiner’s Office led to the discovery of a new photograph of the unidentified body, which was forwarded to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in late 2025. This key piece of evidence was brought to the attention of Detective Ryan Dalby. Dalby, a seasoned officer working on the cold case, successfully matched the unidentified 1973 hit-and-run victim with the missing Norman Prater.
Detective Dalby subsequently located Isaac Prater, Norman’s father, who identified the missing person.
Experts highlight that the newly-released photo played a decisive role in resolving the case, especially since there was no DNA or fingerprint data available for comparison.
Dallas police chief Daniel Comeaux commented: “This resolution stands as a testament to the Dallas Police Department’s commitment to the cases we pursue and the families we serve, no matter how much time has passed.
“Detective Dalby’s dedication, skill, and compassion have not only solved a historical case but have performed the most vital duty of our Missing Persons Unit: providing closure to a grieving family.”
The Dallas Police Department stated in a press release: “After 50 years of uncertainty, Mr. Isaac Prater has now received answers regarding his brother’s disappearance.
“This case exemplifies the enduring mission of law enforcement to seek justice and bring solace to families, unifying them with truth and closure.
“The Dallas Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the Prater family and commends the interagency cooperation and investigative perseverance that made this resolution possible.”
For more information on this case, the investigation is documented under case number 186504-2025.