Missing
Michael Santana
Santana, approximately 2003; Rene Rivera, approximately 2003
Date and time person was reported missing : 02/11/2003
Missing location (approx) :
Nyack, New York
Missing classification : Endangered Missing
Gender : Male
Ethnicity :
Hispanic
DOB : 07/13/1972 (49)
Age at the time of disappearance: 30 years old
Height / Weight : 5'7, 170 pounds
Description, clothing, jewerly and more : Sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and a green and yellow knit Green Bay Packers cap.
Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos
: Hispanic male. Brown hair, brown eyes. Santana's nickname is Ahkim.
Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : Santana was last seen being dropped off at a residence in the 200 block of South Boulevard in Nyack, New York on February 11, 2003. He was accompanied by Rene "Abaz" Rivera at the time; Rene lived in the house. Santana has three children and resided in Haverstraw, New York in February 2003.
In the process of investigating Santana's disappearance, authorities executed a search warrant at the house he visited on the day he went missing. They found drugs, drug paraphernalia, bullets, and a loaded gun and arrested Amanda Stanley, who is Rene's girlfriend and also lives at the residence, as a result.
It is unclear whether Stanley is suspected in Santana's disappearance, but investigators announced they suspected foul play in his case after the search and her arrest.
Rene and his brother, Ricardo Rivera, were charged with second-degree murder in connection with Santana's case in July 2004. A photograph of Rene is posted with this case summary. Both men had been Santana's friends, and their children played together. Authorities believe he was killed in a fight over drugs.
Rene was found guilty of the murder charge and five cocaine and marijuana possession charges in February 2005; he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Ricardo pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter afterwards and as part of his plea agreement he said he would help investigators find Santana's remains. He refused to do so, however, stating they had been incinerated. Ricardo was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is already serving a prison sentence for unrelated drug charges.
Santana has not been located, but foul play is suspected in his case due to the circumstances involved. Orangetown, New York and Haverstraw, New York police are investigating his disappearance.
Other information and links : ncy
Haverstraw VillAge at the time of disappearance: Police Department
845-429-5711
Orangetown Police Department
845-359-3700
September 2021 updates and sources
Rockland County Sheriff's Department
The Journal News
NewsLibrary
October 12, 2004. October 16, 2005; Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : updated.
Interactive Missing Person Search Map
