It has been 27 grim years since Patty Vaughan disappeared from her home in La Vernia, Texas, on Christmas Day, a story that still haunts her family and puzzles law enforcement. The Bexar County woman, a mother of three, was last reported being seen in 1996. Her estranged husband has been the focus of investigators for years, as he was allegedly the last person to see her alive. Her family has been searching relentlessly, as reported by Fox San Antonio, clinging to the hope that they might finally find closure.
With the case still open, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, along with the help of retired FBI agent Abel Pena and Project Absentis, continue to disseminate information and seek leads. Their efforts include a recent podcast release detailing Vaughan's case, stirring public interest and generating tips. Sheriff Javier Salazar, discussing the cold case on the agency's True Crime Podcast, emphasized that, with time's passage, individuals privy to long-held secrets may now be willing to come forth, according to Fox San Antonio.
As detailed in a NBC News interview, Vaughan's sister, Jeannie Liams, still feels the pain of her loss, remembering Patty as a dedicated mother and a deeply religious soul who started a band at her church. The last conversation between the sisters on that fateful Christmas morning hinted at trouble, revealing a fraught relationship with J.R. Vaughan, her husband, who Patty said made her cry after an argument – not an isolated incident, recounts Liams.
On the same day, family members were turned away at the door, informed by J.R. that Patty was unwell and wouldn't come out of her room. Later, the children were sent away with J.R.'s sister for the evening. This behavior struck Liams as odd, asserting Patty would've composed herself and returned to hosting, given her character. Detective Ruben Arevalos of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office shared with NBC News that although Vaughan is presumed dead, their investigation is anything but cold and continues full steam in pursuit of justice for the family.
As the search persists nearly three decades on, so does the agony for those left behind. If any member of the public has information related to Patty Vaughan's case, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is urging them to come forward and contact Investigator Ruben Arevalos at 210-335-6000.
