Caitlyn Sandt, known to family as Katie, was last seen in Bradenton on November 22, 2024. She was 18 years old at the time. Nearly two years later, with no confirmed sightings and none of her belongings recovered, Bradenton police have pushed her case into a national law enforcement database in hopes of generating new leads.
According to the Bradenton Police Department, Sandt was reported missing in November 2024 after her family lost contact with her in October of that year. Investigators say they have chased numerous leads without locating Sandt or her personal belongings. Her case has now been entered into both the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program and Florida's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse, according to the department's post.
The FBI lists Sandt among the missing-person cases in its ViCAP database, bringing her case to law enforcement’s attention nationwide.
A Vanishing Tied to the County Jail
The circumstances surrounding Sandt's disappearance drew scrutiny from the start because of who she had reportedly been in contact with before she vanished. Sandt’s mother said three incarcerated individuals in Sandt's social circle — described as a violent offender, a sex offender and a drug addict — had knowledge regarding her disappearance. Bradenton Police Department spokeswoman Meredith Censullo said police had received anonymous leads.
Family members have said Sandt began staying away from home more frequently after turning 18, but she had consistently kept in touch at least once a week. Her family last heard from her in late October 2024. Her mother has said Sandt was struggling with addiction before she disappeared, per the Charley Project, a national missing persons archive that has documented her case in detail.
What Sandt Looks Like, and What She Was Wearing
Police describe Sandt as white and Hispanic, standing approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing about 125 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She has a scar between her eyes, scars on both thighs, and a strawberry birthmark on the bottom of her neck. At the time she was reported missing, her ears and navel were pierced.
At the time of her disappearance, Sandt was wearing a pink spaghetti-strap shirt and black leggings, per documentation from the Charley Project. Those details, along with her physical description, remain the clearest tools investigators and the public have for evaluating any potential sightings.
Years of Searching, a Reward, and a New Lead Detective
Detective Brandon Kells and Detective Brian Gates are contacts for the case. Gates can be reached at [email protected], and the department can be reached at 941-932-9300.
Sandt's family launched a GoFundMe campaign in May 2025 to help fund search efforts and established a $5,000 reward in August 2025 for information leading to her safe return, a notice issued jointly with official police updates aimed at re-energizing public tips. Anyone with information is also encouraged to submit anonymous tips through Manatee Crime Stoppers, and people providing information leading to Sandt's recovery may be eligible for a reward. Tips can also go directly to the FBI's ViCAP unit at 800-634-4097 or [email protected].
Sandt’s information has been provided to Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
For Sandt’s family, the search for answers continues.
