MISSING PERSON
CASE #: 1980-30
Nancy Craddock
Status:
Open
Date of Last Contact:
Date of Last Contact:
Jurisdiction:
Missing From:
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico
Summary:
On May 28, 1980, NANCY CRADDOCK (age 47) went missing from her home in Ranchos de Taos, NM where she lived with her second husband and his elderly mother. She was a mature, responsible woman with deep ties to her family and friends and highly engaged in various social, religious and political activities in the Taos community. Nancy’s sudden disappearance was out of character. All who knew her expressed grave concern for her safety; foul play was suspected. She has never been seen again.
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Disappearance:
Nancy’s parents, from Plains Texas, had been visiting Nancy and her husband, staying at their home for several days in late May 1980. Her father said they had a wonderful time together as usual. The last verified sighting of Nancy was by her parents at her home on May 28 1980. About noon that day, they waved goodbye to Nancy and her husband and left to drive to their home in Texas.
Additional Details:
Soon after Nancy's disappearance, her father engaged a private investigator based in Albuquerque to look into the circumstances of her disappearance. No leads ever came to light from the three-year investigation. In May 1981, on the one year-anniversary of Nancy's disappearance, her father offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts. The reward is equivalent to almost $40,000 today. No one responded. Nancy had disappeared without a trace. In 1985, Nancy’s husband sought action to have her declared legally deceased. Referencing the court's subsequent declaration, the New Mexico State Police closed the case in 1992. In 2024, Nancy’s three children (from her first marriage) formally requested that the NM State Police re-open the investigation. The case has now entered into the cold case unit. Although 45 years have passed, her children and loved ones are still searching for answers and justice for their beloved mother.
Case Last Updated:
Timeline of Events
Nancy's children request that the New Mexico State Police re-open the case into their mother's disappearance. They present a lengthy submission analyzing the evidence, including material evidence recently identified, to make the case for re-opening the investigation.
The New Mexico State Police, in reference to the declaration of the New Mexico 8th Judicial District Court that Nancy is deceased, declare that the case is closed.
Nancy declared deceased by the New Mexico 8th Judicial District Court.
Nancy's husband petitions the NM 8th Judicial District Court to declare his wife legally deceased and to be appointed her personal representative in the probate of her will.
Nancy's children, her father, family and friends continued the search for Nancy.
On the one-year anniversary of Nancy's disappearance, her father offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts. No one ever responded.
A private investigator based in Albuquerque is hired by her father to investigate Nancy's disappearance. No credible leads were discovered.
Nancy's two adult daughters and her parents provide information to the NM State Police to assist in the location of their mother. All participate in formal, recorded interviews.
An Agent with the NMSP's Criminal Investigations Bureau was assigned to the case and picked up the investigation from Taos police.
Nancy's parents and her two adult daughters traveled to Taos from their homes in Texas to assist the NM State Police.
Nancy's father, who lived in Yoakum County TX, contacted the Sherriff there seeking information and advice about missing persons investigations. The Yoakum County Sheriff in turn contacted the NMSP seeking information about their investigation into Nancy's disappearance.
Nancy's husband filed a Missing Person report with Taos Police.
Members of the political party, in which Nancy was an active member, contacted the Taos Police concerned by her absence at the Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday June 3. They explained Nancy was a committed and responsible member and would not be absent from her duties that day without getting in contact with them. They were very concerned.
Last Known Sighting of Nancy was by her parents at her home in Ranchos de Taos, NM
Nancy and her husband moved to Ranchos De Taos, NM from Beaumont, Texas.
Associated Persons
Tom B. (Father) - Living
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Case Content Disclaimer: The details on this case page are sourced from numerous locations to include family, friends, news postings and government public releases. Solve the Case, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of any content as case pages are living documents that frequently update as case details expand.
