Tattoos and identification

Ink on File

Nov. 11, 2026

Tattoos can do far more than commemorate a veteran’s service, sacrifice and fallen comrades (see our post here). They can also give investigators a lead to someone’s identity, whether it’s a fugitive being sought, an unidentified deceased person, or someone who’s missing.

Pearl Jam stick-figure tattoo shown in the FBI missing-person notice for Brian Shaffer — Brian Randall Shaffer, missing from Columbus, Ohio, since April 1, 2006, has this Pearl Jam tattoo on his upper right arm. The FBI publishes the photograph to help identify him. FBI public appeal; NamUs MP1709.

Forearm tattoos shown in the FBI wanted notice for Joseph Matos — Joseph Matos, wanted for alleged involvement in the July 3, 2021, killing of a National Guard member in Chicago, has these forearm tattoos. The FBI publishes them to help identify him. Do not approach him. FBI wanted notice.

FBI comparison of scorpion and Pancho Villa tattoos used in identifying a deceased man — A deceased man found near the U.S.-Mexico border was identified after a relative recognized his tattoos. Investigators analyzed the scorpion and Francisco “Pancho” Villa portrait shown here. This FBI comparison includes CBP photographs and reference images; his name is not given in the account.

When ink helps solve a crime, identify a John Doe or find a missing person

A missing person: Brian Randall Shaffer

The FBI’s missing-person notice for Brian Randall Shaffer includes a photograph of the tattoo on his upper right arm. Shaffer disappeared from Columbus, Ohio, on April 1, 2006. The notice refers readers to NamUs case MP1709. The Charley Project also carries his case and tattoo photograph.

If you have information, follow the FBI notice’s instructions to contact a local FBI office or submit a tip through tips.fbi.gov.

A wanted person: Joseph Matos

The FBI’s wanted notice for Joseph Matos shows tattoos on his neck, arms and torso. He is wanted for alleged involvement in the July 3, 2021, killing of a National Guard member in Chicago. The allegations are not a conviction.

Neck tattoo photographs published by the FBI in its Joseph Matos wanted notice — Joseph Matos’ neck tattoos appear in his FBI wanted notice. He’s wanted for alleged involvement in a July 3, 2021, killing in Chicago. The photographs are identification aids; they do not establish guilt. Do not approach him.

The notice says he should be considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him. Send information to the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or through its tip service.

An unidentified man: the scorpion and the portrait

An FBI Laboratory account describes a deceased man found near the U.S.-Mexico border. Tattoo analysis helped identify a scorpion design and a portrait of Francisco “Pancho” Villa. The Border Patrol distributed information about the tattoos, and a relative came forward and identified him. This is a completed identification, not a current appeal for his name.

A family recognized Rita Roberts’ flower tattoo

A relative recognized a tattoo in coverage of INTERPOL’s Identify Me appeal. The family then met investigators and formally identified Rita Roberts, whose body had been found in Belgium in 1992. INTERPOL announced the identification in November 2023.

The Belgian Federal Police record includes her tattoo and a contact form for information about the investigation. Her case reference is INTERPOL 2023-BE02. Her identity is established.

Military tattoos: the people behind the ink

Our Veterans Day 2026 post follows tattoos connected to military service, sacrifice and fallen comrades. These photographs include Iraq-era soldiers and Marines, a sailor’s hand and a World War II memorial.

Marine Michael Burtnick displays a Sept. 11 firefighter memorial tattoo across his upper back — Lance Cpl. Michael Burtnick’s tribute to New York City firefighters killed on Sept. 11, 2001. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeffrey A. Cosola, Sept. 16, 2006.

Red cross tattoo above a tribal band on soldier Dustin Guillory’s arm in Iraq — Spc. Dustin Guillory’s cross and tribal band, photographed in Balad, Iraq, Sept. 30, 2004. 28th Public Affairs Detachment, released photograph.

Skull and cross tattoo surrounded by flames on Army Spc. Brian Cook — Spc. Brian Cook displays the tattoo his platoon got after an Iraq deployment: a skull and cross surrounded by flames. Photographed in Wardak province, Afghanistan, Aug. 29, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew Thompson.

Marine Robert Patterson displays the tattooed words Death Is Certain and Life Is Not across his arms — Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Patterson displays “Death Is Certain” and “Life Is Not” across his arms. U.S. Army photo by Kristin Molinaro, The Bayonet, Oct. 15, 2009.

Close-up of a sailor’s hand tattoo with an anchor, skull and life preserver — An unnamed sailor’s hand carries an anchor, skull and life preserver in a Navy video from USS Theodore Roosevelt. The anchor has a long place in sailors’ tattoo traditions. U.S. Navy imagery by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Richardson.

Charles Hansen aboard USS Missouri with tattoos commemorating USS Vincennes and lost shipmates — Charles J. Hansen’s tattoos commemorated USS Vincennes and lost shipmates. U.S. Navy photograph, National Archives 80-G-K-4510, 1944.

How we handle cases

We use official FBI, U.S. Marshals, NamUs or police records and check each case’s status before publication. Missing and unidentified case stories include the agency contact and available case reference. A wanted notice describes an allegation, not a finding of guilt.

We link to official images and verify rights before reproducing them. We publish no gore or speculation about a death. For minors, we stay within the official listing. We do not place affiliate links on case pages.

Do you think you’ve identified a tattoo that could solve a case?

Check the records at NamUs or The Charley Project, then send what you found to the investigating agency listed in the case. Use the FBI tip service for FBI cases.