Photo of seated female artist (Lois Gibson) and some of her age-progressed portraits

Age-progressed photos have long been used to help spark new leads in unsolved missing child cases. Forensic artist Lois Gibson spent four decades working with the Houston Police Department, where she sketched age-progressed portraits of children, as well as the likenesses of kidnappers and other suspected criminals. The face behind the faces shared her story—and creative process—as part of a national news feature. Gibson holds the Guinness World Record for the most criminals identified through art: 1,313. But it’s the happy endings she treasures most, such as when her age-progressed portraits reunited three siblings 30 years after being separated at a young age. “If this is the only case I helped solve, it would make my life worthwhile,” Gibson said. 

Flyer for "Missing in Southeast Texas" Day

For 11 years, “Missing in Southeast Texas Day” has been bringing resources to families with missing loved ones. During this year’s event in Houston, dozens of families made connections with law enforcement, social services, and forensics experts dedicated to locating missing persons. Family members were able to provide DNA samples, enter information into the National Missing & Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), and file photos and other identifying documents. Texas Center for the Missing organizers say the goal is to reduce the number of individuals buried as unknowns due to lack of a missing person report and give families closure. The Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office were among the partners of the free event.