The Disappearance of Tyshareen Budale

 

Tyshareen Budale has been missing since December 26th, 2020. The then-27-year-old woman was in Newark, New Jersey at the time of her disappearance. She was last seen near the 400 block of South 15th Street. 

Tyshareen reportedly made plans to spend New Year’s Eve with her father, but she never showed up. After a few weeks passed, it was determined that nobody had seen or heard from her since December 26th. Additionally, Tyshareen usually made daily posts on social media - but her online activity abruptly stopped around the time she went missing.

A missing persons’ report for Tyshareen was filed on January 23rd, 2021. By that time, it was revealed that her vehicle had been left behind. Despite all of these suspicious circumstances, Tyshareen’s case has received very little attention from the media. Details about her life and the events leading up to her disappearance are unknown. 

Tyshareen is described as a black woman who stands approximately 5’4” tall. At the time of her disappearance, she was approximately 170 to 180 lbs. Tyshareen also has a tattoo of a heart on her chest. 

If you have any information that could lead to Tyshareen’s whereabouts, please contact the Newark Police Department Special Victims Unit at (973) 733-6277 or submit a tip online.

Sources:
Daily Voice
NamUs
Our Black Girls
RLS Media

The Disappearance of Zoe J. Ross

 

Zoe J. Ross has been missing since May 7th, 2019. The then-17-year-old was last seen in Morristown, New Jersey. On the day she vanished, Zoe went to school as usual. She reportedly left the building without telling any school staff members around 1:00 PM. Zoe never returned and has never been seen or heard from again.

Zoe's disappearance from the school was quickly noticed by the staff, as she was reported missing by 1:30 PM - just 30 minutes after she was last seen. Despite this quick action, police were not able to track Zoe down. Now, several years have passed since her disappearance, and Zoe has still not been located.

There are very few details available about Zoe's life around the time she went missing. It's known that she was living at a group home in Freehold at the time of her disappearance. It's also known that Zoe was adopted from Ukraine at some point during her childhood. She lived with adoptive parents prior to moving into the group home. Details about why or how Zoe ended up at the group home have not been publicly shared.

Although there has been very little news reporting on Zoe's disappearance, there has been some online chatter from her former classmates and friends. In spring 2025, a Reddit user made a post about Zoe's disappearance. The poster stated that they went to the same alternative high school as Zoe and was there on the day she vanished. The former classmate said they heard rumors about Zoe getting into a car after exiting the building, but this rumor has never been confirmed. 

Other online discussions note that Zoe's adoptive family has seemingly never appealed to the public or posted anything about Zoe's disappearance. Another Reddit user commented on the aforementioned post and stated that they, too, knew Zoe and had heard that she did not have a good relationship with her adoptive parents. Unfortunately, it appears that Zoe did not have a very big support system at the time she vanished.

Zoe still remains missing today. The Morristown Police Department has investigative agency over her case. If you have any information that could help solve the disappearance of Zoe Ross, please contact authorities at 973-538-2200.

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Sources:
Ash Mysteries
Charley Project
NCMEC
Reddit

Other cases of disappearances from schools:

• The Disappearance of Elyssa Vasquez
• The Disappearance of Erinn Rogers
• The Disappearance of Heather Lewis
• The Disappearance of Nathaniel Holmes

Other similar cases:

• Unsolved disappearances from New Jersey
• Unsolved disappearances from 2019

The Disappearance of Victoria Williams

 

Victoria Williams was only 13 years-old when she vanished on October 19th, 2013. The young teen lived with her mother in Newark, New Jersey at the time of her disappearance. On the day she vanished, Victoria left her home on Fabyan Place after telling her mother she was going to meet up with some friends. She never returned home, and her family has never seen or heard from her again.

Reports indicate that authorities believe Victoria left on her own accord, although they have not shared what evidence, if any, there is to support the runaway theory. Due to Victoria's young age at the time of her disappearance, it is very unlikely that she was able to run away and stay undetected without help. Additionally, Victoria had suffered an injury to her foot shortly before she vanished and was wearing a medical boot - a distinguishable feature that would've made it even more difficult for her to run away without being spotted. 

Despite all of this, Victoria's disappearance has maintained the label as a runaway case. Some reports state that she may still be in the local area, or that she may have "traveled to San Diego or elsewhere in California." Again, due to Victoria's young age, it seems very unlikely that she was able to travel to California (or anywhere else a long distance away) without help. Investigators have not shared how or why they believe Victoria may have left the state on her own free will. 

There are very few additional details available about Victoria's case. Over a decade has passed since she vanished, and she still remains missing today. The Newark Police Department has investigative agency over Victoria's missing persons investigation. If you have any information that could help solve the case, please contact authorities at 973-733-6000.

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Sources:
Ash Mysteries
Charley Project
NamUs
News One

RLS Media

The Disappearance and Murder of Franchesca Alvarado

image source: phillyobitproject.com

Franchesca Alvarado had a lot to look forward to during early 2012. The then-22-year-old woman was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the time, and she was ready to begin her next chapter in life. Franchesca had plans to enroll at the Community College of Philadelphia, as she hoped to pursue a criminal justice degree. Unfortunately, she would never have a chance to take this step - as she vanished on March 17th, 2012.

According to reports, Franchesca arranged for a babysitter to care for her then-3-year-old daughter before leaving for Atlantic City to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. She was reportedly accompanied by Tracy Williams, an older male acquaintance. Franchesca never returned home from this trip, and her loved ones never heard from her again.

Franchesca's siblings knew something was off when days passed without any contact from her. One of her sisters, Frances, decided to go to Franchesca's home in Hunting Park to check in. Frances was greeted by Franchesca's roommate, who said that Franchesca would be back from Atlantic City in two weeks. This seemed odd, as it did not seem likely that Franchesca would take a trip that long without telling her family. 

Eventually, Franchesca's loved ones reported her missing. They then passed out fliers, organized rallies, and continuously searched for Franchesca. Meanwhile, police searched for leads. Tracy Williams was questioned, and he reportedly told police that he and Franchesca separated at some point during their night in Atlantic City. He said that he last saw her by the Borgata. Franchesca's roommate was also questioned but was reportedly uncooperative. 

Over a year later, in August 2013, a fisherman at Corson’s Inlet State Park in Ocean City found a severed foot floating in the water. The foot was still wearing an Adidas high-top sneaker, which led both police and Franchesca’s loved ones to believe that the foot did, in fact, belong to Franchesca. This was officially confirmed just a few days later.

At that point, it became clear that Franchesca met with foul play. To this day, many questions remain. What happened to Franchesca? Who is responsible for her death?

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More about Franchesca.

image source: Philly Inquirer

As previously stated, Franchesca - known as 'Cheka' by those closest to her - lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the time of her disappearance. She was the youngest of 8 siblings and was very close with her family. Franchesca and her siblings had a rough childhood; as Franchesca’s father went to prison shortly after her birth, and her mother died when she was just 9 years old. Franchesca was subsequently raised by one of her older sisters. 

Despite these hardships, Franchesca remained a positive person. According to her loved ones, Franchesca had a happy energy and sparkling personality. She enjoyed crafts and had a not-so-secret crush on Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Franchesca was also a dedicated mother to her daughter, whom she gave birth to when she was just 19 years old.

The disappearance.

As also previously noted, Franchesca disappeared after going to Atlantic City - a place she went to frequently. Franchesca often went there to blow off steam and enjoy a fun time with friends. She took this particular trip to Atlantic City with a man named Tracy Williams - who is described in reports as an older male acquaintance. 

When Franchesca did not return from this trip, both her family members and police inevitably wanted to speak with Williams. He maintained that he separated from Franchesca at some point during the night after she told him that she would find her own ride home. Williams claims he last saw her by the Borgata. Despite his insistence that he did not have any information about Franchesca's whereabouts, Williams still refused to take a polygraph exam, which raised suspicions against him.

Potential persons of interest.

From the beginning, Tracy Williams was an obvious person of interest - however he was not the only person whom the family and police found suspicious. Franchesca's roommate at the time of her disappearance - Tonya Alavarez - also raised some questions. 

image source: Find Franchesca Cheka Alvarado (Facebook)

As mentioned earlier, Alavarez told Franchesca's siblings that Franchesca planned to be in Atlantic City for two weeks. Franchesca's siblings knew this was likely untrue, as it seemed unlikely that she would take such a long trip without her daughter AND without mentioning it to her family. Additionally, Alavarez reportedly declined to cooperate with the authorities investigating Franchesca's disappearance. 

Investigators also inevitably wanted to question any potential romantic partners of Franchesca's. Her siblings note that Franchesca's ex-boyfriend is now currently in prison on federal gun charges unrelated to Franchesca's case. It's unclear if he was ever a major person of interest in Franchesca's disappearance and/or murder.

The discovery of remains.

Franchesca's severed foot was found by a fisherman at Corson's Inlet State Park during August 2013. The foot still had her shoe on it - which ultimately helped investigators identify the remains.

Image source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Knowing that there had to be more remains out there, Franchesca's family continued their quest to find answers. They conducted several internet searches for "human remains found" and "bones found" - which led them to learn that a human femur and tibia had washed ashore. In 2015, both were finally identified as that of Franchesca Alvarado. The rest of her remains have never been found.

A murder investigation.

Franchesca's case shifted to a murder investigation after the discovery of the remains. However, no arrests have ever been made. Investigators have also never disclosed an exact cause of death. Tracy Williams, Tonya Alavarez, and possibly other individuals still remain persons of interest. 

Franchesca's family members are still fighting for answers. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-462-2899.

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Sources:
Find Franchesca Cheka Alvarado Facebook
Fox 29
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Obituary Project
Uncovered

The Disappearance of Robin Best-Bey

 

Robin Best-Bey has been missing since February 2019. Shortly before vanishing, the 27-year-old woman traveled from Philadelphia to New Jersey to visit relatives. Robin was last seen leaving her aunt's home in Buena Borough to walk a short distance to Pantry 1 Food Mart. Robin never returned and has never been seen or heard from again.

There are many unknown details about Robin's case. In fact, the exact date of her disappearance appears to be unclear. Most reports state that she vanished at some point between February 10th, 2019, and February 17th, 2019. Despite this, Robin was not reported missing until December 2019 - several months after she was last seen. It is unknown why it took so long for a missing person's report to be filed.

It's been reported that Robin might have traveled to Miami Springs, Florida, in March of 2019. There are no additional details available about this, so it is unclear how this information came about. Since then, it appears that there have not been any updates in Robin's case.

Robin's disappearance remains unsolved. If you have any information that could lead to her whereabouts, please contact New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at 609-882-2000.

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Sources:
Charley Project
Daily Voice
Uncovered
Websleuths

The Disappearance & Murder of Catrina Hinton

image source

Catrina Hinton was due to embark on a new chapter in her life during early 2006. Like many 18-year-olds, Catrina had recently graduated from high school and was about to begin attending college. She moved from her hometown in Norfolk, Virginia to Jersey City, New Jersey so she could attend Jersey City State University. Unfortunately, before Catrina could begin attending classes, her life was tragically taken. 

Catrina was a resilient young woman who had already survived hardships in her short life. According to reports, she was born with a tumor that was potentially life-threatening. Doctors were able to remove the tumor, but her eye had to be replaced with a glass eye. By all accounts, it appears that Catrina did not let this stop her from living a happy life. Still, Catrina’s family always feared that another tumor or sickness would cut her life short. They never imagined that violence would be the reason for Catrina’s untimely death.

The last known sighting of Catrina occurred on January 14th, 2006. That day, she went to work at a clothing store called Mandee’s in Bayonne. Catrina was last seen leaving the store after her shift ended. She usually took the bus back to her residence on Ocean Avenue, but on this evening, she never made it back home. Catrina’s family members later reported her missing. Police labeled her disappearance as “suspicious” – as she did not have a history of falling out of touch with her family or close friends. Catrina also never picked up her most recent paycheck, which was unusual. 

Weeks later, on February 6th, 2006, an employee at the New York Bay Cemetery spotted a human hand sticking out from a pile of rocks beside a cut-down tree. Police were called, and as they dug through the rocks, they uncovered the body of a young deceased female. It was soon determined that the body belonged to Catrina Hinton. 

An autopsy revealed that Catrina had been brutally beaten and possibly strangled to death. It was determined that robbery was not a motive for her murder, as jewelry and other items of value were found on her body. There was evidence that Catrina had been both undressed and redressed by her attacker, leading investigators to believe that she was possibly sexually assaulted. 

Catrina was dating two different men at the time of her disappearance. According to reports, both men were questioned by police – along with several other people as well. It is unclear if any person has been ruled out at this point. No suspects or persons of interest have ever been publicly announced. 

Catrina’s murder remains unsolved. If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of her killer(s), please contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad at 201-915-1345.

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Sources:
News 12
NJ.com, 2

The Murder of Chrismely Hidalgo

 

Chrismely Hidalgo was only 22-years-old when she was found murdered on January 27th, 2013. The young mother lived in Paterson, New Jersey at the time of her death. Chrismely's body was found along the side of the road on the Route 22 west entrance ramp in Newark. She had been thrown from a vehicle that was traveling around 60 MPH, which caused her skull to crack. However, it was determined that Chrismely was already deceased by the time her body was removed from the vehicle. She had been strangled to death. 

Chrismely was reported missing by her family on January 26th, 2013 - just one day before her body was found. She was last seen near Union and Redwood Avenue in Paterson before her disappearance. Chrismely struggled with addiction, and she reportedly frequented that area to purchase drugs. Family members believe Chrismely was killed in that area of Paterson before her killer(s) disposed of her body near Newark.

During 2014, it was reported that Chrismely's family members were frustrated with the murder investigation. Chrismely's sister Yohanaka Isabel told reporters that she believes Paterson police let Chrismely's killer walk free. According to Yohanaka, DNA belonging to a man was found under Chrismely's fingernails. When police questioned this man, they noticed he had scratches on his face. The man denied involvement in Chrismely's murder; he stated that the scratches were due to "rough sex" that he had with Chrismely. Police let the man go after hearing that explanation. The man in question has never been publicly identified, nor has he been charged with anything related to Chrismely's case. 

Chrismely's loved ones do not believe that Chrismely had consensual "rough sex" with this man. In fact, they believe this man is a killer, and that police did not thoroughly investigate him. As previously noted, Chrismely struggled with addiction and was also reportedly involved in sex work. Many have speculated that police did not take her case seriously due to her lifestyle.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for missing persons/murder cases to be overlooked if the victim has struggled with addiction. These cases are often overlooked by not only the police department, but the media as well. The family of Chrismely Hidalgo believes that this issue is responsible for the lack of progress in her murder case. 

Over the years, very few updates have been provided. Detectives have not revealed any details about the investigation. Chrismely's murder remains unsolved. If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of her killer(s), please submit a tip.

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Sources:
CBS News
NJ.com

True Crime Diva

The Disappearance and Murder of Greta Tim

 

Greta Tim (14) disappeared from her home in Irvington, New Jersey on July 27th, 2008. The teen girl had run away a few times in the past, but she always returned to her home on Breakenridge Terrace. Police in Irvington would always question Greta after she returned home, but she would not reveal much information about where she went or what she did while she was missing. 

Greta was reported missing again by her mother on August 1st, 2008--three days after she was last seen. Due to her history of leaving on her own accord, Greta was classified as a runaway by police. After more and more time passed without any sign of Greta, she was reclassified as an endangered missing person. 

Nearly four years later, on April 12th, 2012, landscapers found human remains stuffed into a plastic bag in a desolate area of Parsippany, New Jersey--located approximately 20 miles from Irvington. Two months later, the remains were positively identified as that of Greta Tim. Her death was labeled a homicide.

Police believe that Greta was killed in a different location before her body was dumped in Parsippany. Very little details about the investigation are available, and no suspects have been publicly identified.

Greta's murder case remains open today. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
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Sources:
NBC New York
NJ.com
Patch

The Disappearance of JaShyah Moore

JaShyah Moore (14) has been missing since October 14th, 2021. The young teen vanished under suspicious circumstances in East Orange, New Jersey. On the day of JaShyah's disappearance, her mother sent her to a local store called U.S. Market to buy some juice and paper towels. A short time after leaving her home, JaShyah returned empty-handed after saying that she lost the card she was going to use to purchase the items. JaShyah's mother then sent her back out to retrace her steps. After an hour passed without JaShyah's return, her mother began to worry. Police were called later that day.

JaShyah reportedly does not own a cell phone, so police were unable to look at cell phone pings to track her movements. Investigators spoke to employees at U.S. Market, who stated that JaShyah was accompanied by an unidentified man who paid for her items at the store. Local surveillance footage revealed that JaShyah was last seen near Poppie's Deli between 10:00 and 10:30 AM. JaShyah's mother was unaware that JaShyah had also stopped at Poppie's in addition to U.S. Market. It's unclear if JaShyah was accompanied by the unidentified man at Poppie's as well--but this is the last known sighting of her, and she has not been seen or heard from again.

JaShyah's estranged stepfather is a police officer for the East Orange PD. According to JaShyah's aunt, the stepfather is currently facing assault charges from an incident that occurred in the previous year. JaShyah's aunt told reporters, "I saw him punch my niece twice in the face."While this suggests that the niece in question was JaShyah, this has not yet been confirmed. Two weeks before JaShyah's disappearance, her mother received a letter that stated the case was going to the grand jury. 

It seems quite suspicious that JaShyah vanished a short time after her mother received the letter-however investigators currently do not believe that the two cases are related. Essex County authorities stated, "The missing person’s case is being handled by municipal authorities in East Orange.At this point, the domestic violence assault and the status of the missing person do not appear to be related; however, it is being monitored by law enforcement."

The FBI has since joined the search of JaShyah. If you have any information that could lead to her whereabouts, please go here to submit a tip. 

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UPDATE (Nov. 12, 2021): JaShyah has been found safe!

The teen was located at a shelter in Harlem, New York after reportedly running away from home. According to investigators, JaShyah did not want to return home and allegedly felt safer in the shelter. JaShyah's mother has since been arrested and charged with child endangerment. Both JaShyah and her 3 year-old sibling have been removed from the mother's custody. 

sources: [1, 2, 3]

The Disappearance of Michael Fauntleroy Jr.

Michael Fauntleroy Jr. has been missing since February 24th, 2011. At the time of his disappearance, the 25-year-old lived in Trenton, New Jersey with his mother and young son. Michael was last seen in their East Trenton neighborhood on the evening he vanished. He sent his mother a text around midnight to tell her he was coming home. Despite this, Michael never made it home and has never been seen or heard from again.

Michael's family members immediately knew something was wrong when they were unable to get ahold of him. He reportedly had a strong relationship with his parents and siblings. Michael also left behind two children and a pregnant girlfriend, which was extremely uncharacteristic of him. The East Trenton neighborhood where Michael and his family lived had been a tight-knit community, but after he vanished his family members began to believe that certain people in the community were withholding information.

Once detectives began investigating, they learned that Michael was targeted. While detectives have not elaborated on how they came to this conclusion, they did mention that it was possible he was targeted due to a dispute over drug sales. Michael had a criminal record for selling drugs, but it was reportedly just a minor record. According to his family members, Michael was not deeply involved in selling drugs. However, based on the information that investigators were able to dig up, it appeared likely that Michael had met with foul play. 

Detectives' best theory is that Michael might have been lured to Hart Avenue, which dead-ends at Assunpink Creek. Searches at and around the creek were conducted, but no sign of Michael was found. Other than this theory, investigators said that they have very little additional information to work with. Detectives have reportedly offered some people incentives to provide information about Michael's case - but nobody has taken that offer. 

Michael remains missing today. His case is still open. If you have any information that could lead to his whereabouts, please call (609) 278-8477 to submit an anonymous tip. 

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Sources:

Charley Project
NJ, 2

The Disappearance of Mayushi Bhagat

Mayushi Bhagat has been missing since May 1st, 2019. 

Prior to her disappearance, the 25-year-old young woman was very close to starting a brand-new chapter in her life. Mayushi grew up in Vadadora, Gujarat, India but moved to the United States in 2016. She lived with her parents in Jersey City, New Jersey while she pursued a master's degree in electrical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology. By the spring of 2019, Mayushi was very close to graduating, and she had already accepted a job in California that she planned to begin once she completed her coursework. 

Mayushi's family members last heard from her on May 1st, 2019. Her father reached out to her via text message, and he got a response stating that she was fine but wanted to be left alone, and that she would return home on May 3rd. Unfortunately, Mayushi never actually returned home and was never seen or heard from again. 

Mayushi is considered missing under suspicious circumstances and foul play has not been ruled out. In fact, Mayushi's family members do not actually believe the texts they received from her phone on May 1st came from Mayushi herself. The texts reportedly contained broken English, which was uncharacteristic of Mayushi's usual texting style - as she was fluent in English. 

There are very few details about the investigation into Mayushi's disappearance. Her case was initially only handled by the Jersey City Police Department; however, the FBI has since joined the investigation. If you have any information that could lead to Mayushi's whereabouts, please contact the Jersey City Police at 201-547-5477 or submit a tip with the FBI. 

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Sources:
American Bazaar Online
Charley Project
FBI
NJ.com

The Disappearance of Dulce Alavez

Dulce Alavez vanished from a playground in Bridgeton, New Jersey on September 16th, 2019. The 5 year-old little girl was spending the day with her mother and siblings. In the image below, Dulce is seen inside a local ice cream shop. Her mother bought Dulce and her siblings ice cream before stopping by the park where she was last seen. 

Once at the park, Dulce and her 3 year-old brother went to play on the swings while their mother waited in the car with their 8 year-old sister. A short time later, the 3 year-old boy returned to the car in tears, saying that he could not find Dulce. After briefly searching the park, their mother called 911 to report Dulce missing. 

Police then issued an Amber Alert, and asked local residences to be on the lookout for a man who they thought might have taken Dulce away in a van. However, police later announced that the man was just somebody they wished to interview. In October 2019, a sketch was released of the man, who was reportedly seen at the park with two children under the age of 5 around the same time Dulce vanished.

Many searches have been conducted in the park and in the surrounding areas, but unfortunately no trace of Dulce has been found. In January 2019, police announced that they have made "significant progress" in the investigation, but did not elaborate any further. Dulce still remains missing today, and there is a $75,000 reward in place for information that could lead to her return.

If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at 609-882-2000, ext. 2554, or the Bridgeton police at 856-451-0033. 

The Disappearance of Sapphire Wiggins

image source

Sapphire Wiggins (23) disappeared in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 17th, 2014. At the time of her disappearance, Sapphire was dating an older man named Kevin Shelton (50). Sapphire was reportedly very happy in their relationship and had told her family and friends that she wanted to marry him. There was a slight problem, though: Kevin was already married, and he had three children by wife his of 30 years. It’s unclear whether or not Sapphire was aware of this.

Kevin is the last known person to have seen Sapphire before she disappeared. During the morning hours of October 18th, 2014, Kevin spoke on the phone with his son, Eric. He told him that he was in trouble because things got out of hand. When Eric asked Kevin what he meant, Kevin said that he was going to jail for the next 10 to 15 years for domestic violence. 

Kevin Shelton (source:Charley Project)

Kevin made a few other phone calls that day, the last one being at 12:45 PM. Fifteen minutes later, Kevin’s wife found him hanged in her basement. He left behind a suicide note that contained loving messages for his wife and children, however there was no mention of Sapphire at all.

It has never been believed that Sapphire is missing on her own accord. Her family members describe her as outgoing, and it is unusual for her to not contact her loved ones. She leaves behind a son, who was just six years-old at the time of her disappearance. 

Investigators have stated that Sapphire's case is “basically solved." They believe that Kevin killed Sapphire the night of her disappearance and then disposed of her body. Inside his beloved Porsche, investigators found blood belonging to Sapphire. Additionally, both Sapphire and Kevin’s phone pings indicate that their phones were in the same place throughout the entire night of the 17th, in several different locations. Investigators have searched all of those areas and have found both a wig and a pair of sunglasses believed to have belong to Sapphire, but Sapphire herself remains missing.

According to lead detective Neil Kane, the fact that they have not recovered Sapphire’s body does not hinder their belief that Kevin murdered her. In fact, when interviewed about the case, detective Kane stated: “If Kevin Shelton was still alive, I think we could have prosecuted him without a body.”

Still, Sapphire’s family members are hoping to finally locate her and bring some closure to this tragic ordeal. Anyone with information that could help the case is encouraged to Atlantic City Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234.

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Sources:
Charley Project
Illicit Deeds
NBC Philadelphia
Vivid Faces of the Vanished

The Kidnapping of John Weisbecker

John Weisbecker vanished under suspicious circumstances on March 11th, 2009. The then-21 year-old was last seen at the home he shared with his mother and sister in Ocean City, New Jersey. A postal carrier spotted John at the house around 10:30 AM on the day of his disappearance. 

When his mother tried to call him about an hour later, John’s phone went straight to voicemail. John’s mother returned to their home around 9:00 PM that evening and realized that John was not home. However, his car was still parked in the driveway. After a few hours passed with no sign of John, his mother reported him missing.

Throughout the investigation, detectives have stated that they believe John disappeared shortly before noon. His wallet and cell phone went missing with him, but his phone has been shut off and he has not accessed any of his bank accounts/credit cards since he disappeared. Detectives apparently also found evidence that John did not leave his home voluntarily. 

It is unclear what evidence was found—whether it was blood, gun shell casings, or some other sign of a struggle; but it is clear that investigators believe John was taken from the home against his will. In fact, the FBI was eventually brought into the investigation and has now classified John’s case as a kidnapping.

Despite massive search efforts, a decade has passed without any clues to John’s whereabouts or any suspects in the case. John’s loved ones have struggled to find a motive for anyone to kidnap him. John was unemployed at the time of his disappearance, and his family members said that he did not have any known enemies. 

Many have theorized that John was involved in drug dealing or some other illegal activity, but investigators said that they “have no reason to believe John was involved in drugs in a major way.” Investigators have otherwise released very little about potential persons of interest, however they have stated that several people have been reluctant to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Investigators also believe that more than one person is responsible for John’s disappearance, and that John was likely familiar with his kidnappers. In regard to the police investigating John’s friends, a detective working the case told reporters, “His friends have been a letdown. Step up and be a friend and come forward.”

There is a $50,000 reward for anyone who provides information about John’s whereabouts. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please contact the FBI Newark Division at (973) 792-3000. 

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Sources:
Charley Project
FBI
OCNJ Daily
Patch
The Press of Atlantic City

The Murder of Sarah Stern

Sarah Lee Stern was a budding YouTube star pursuing a career in the arts when she was reported missing in Neptune City, New Jersey on December 3rd, 2016. 

A massive search for Sarah was prompted when her car was found abandoned, with the keys inside, on Belmar Bridge over Shark River. Thinking she may have jumped, a dive rescue team searched the water, possibly for her body, but nothing was found. In the days following her disappearance, both police and community members searched for Sarah in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, the searchers were unable to find Sarah or any clues to her whereabouts. 

On February 1st, 2017, nearly two months after her disappearance, Sarah’s childhood friend Preston Taylor (19) confessed that on the night of December 2nd, 2016, he helped Liam McAtasney (19) throw Sarah’s body over Belmar Bridge and into Shark River. Earlier that day, Liam allegedly went to Sarah’s house and strangled her to death before stealing $7,000 from her. After that, he left Sarah’s body at her house and called Preston to ask him to help dispose of her body.

Preston then went to Sarah’s house, retrieved her body, and hid her under a bush near her home. Later that evening, both Liam and Preston returned to Sarah’s home and placed her body in the front passenger seat of her own car. Liam then drove Sarah’s car to Belmar Bridge, with Preston following in his own car. Upon arriving, the two threw her body into the river. 

Sarah, Liam and Preston were all childhood friends. In fact, Preston and Sarah attended the prom together in high school. Liam and Preston also feigned concern for Sarah following her disappearance and volunteered in the initial search for her. Prosecutors allege that Liam had been planning to rob and kill Sarah for at least 6 months and that he let Preston in on the plan sometime before it occurred. Preston pleaded guilty to all of his charges in April 2017. Liam maintained his not guilty plea and went to trial in January 2019.

A jury ultimately found Liam guilty of murdering Sarah in February 2019. At his trial, a video was played that contained a recording of Liam detailing what he did to Sarah. This video was secretly recorded a few weeks after Sarah’s death by a friend of Liam’s who was working with police. In the recording, Liam is heard saying “it took me half an hour to kill her. The worst part of it is I thought I was walking out with $50,000 to $100,000 in my pocket. [But] she had one safe that she took money out of and it only had $10,000.” Liam also admitted to studying Sarah’s mannerisms–particularly her movements while driving–in the months leading up to her death. That way, when Liam left Sarah’s home in her car, the neighbor’s surveillance camera would capture movements identical to Sarah’s typical movements while driving and make it appear that Sarah was the one who voluntarily left her home in the car.  

Preston Taylor also testified at Liam’s trial. He maintained that Liam planned to kill Sarah for months before doing so, and that the two disposed of her body together.

In June 2019, Liam McAtasney was sentenced to life in prison without possiblity of parole. Sarah's body has never been found.