MISSING PERSON
CASE #: 2001-41
Tara Lea Blue
Status:
Open
Date of Last Contact:
Date of Last Contact:
Jurisdiction:
Missing From:
Center, Texas
Summary:
Tara Lea Blue, a 30-year-old white female, disappeared from Center, Texas on November 2, 2001. She vanished with companion Richard Lee Sanders. A crime scene containing evidence of murder was discovered in rural Shelby County that month, but neither her body nor Sanders has ever been located. The case remains unsolved and is actively investigated by the Texas Rangers.
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Disappearance:
Tara Lea Blue was last seen in Center, Texas on November 2, 2001. She disappeared while in the company of Richard Lee Sanders. The following day, a hunter discovered a crime scene in a rural wooded area near Flat Fork Creek in Shelby County. The scene contained evidence indicating that foul play had occurred, specifically evidence that Tara Lea Blue had been murdered. However, neither Blue's body nor Richard Sanders have ever been located. Blue's disappearance is classified as a homicide, though no remains have been recovered.
Additional Details:
During November 2001, evidence at the discovered crime scene led authorities to classify the case as a homicide. Since that discovery, the case has remained unsolved for over two decades. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Division continues to pursue the investigation. The case was assigned to the Texas Rangers' Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program (UCIP) and is listed as Case Reference Number 148 in the Texas Rangers' Cold Case database. A memorial service was held for Tara on November 13, 2010, at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center. If Richard Lee Sanders is located, citizens are warned not to approach him. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Investigator DJ Dickerson at (936) 572-0255 or contact Texas Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Case Last Updated:
Timeline of Events
Memorial services held for Tara Lea Blue at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center, Texas
Crime scene discovered by hunter in rural Shelby County near Flat Fork Creek containing evidence of murder
Tara Lea Blue last seen in Center, Texas with Richard Lee Sanders
Associated Persons
Michelle J. (Sibling) - Living
Richard S. (Person of interest / missing person) - Missing
Rena H. (Sibling) - Living
Layla Rae B. (Child) - Living
Frances P. (Mother) - Living
Earl W. (Father) - Living
Jeannette B. (Sibling) - Living
Family Tree
Why is this important?Missing person
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Maternal Grandmother's Mother
Maternal Grandmother's Father
Paternal Grandfather's Mother
Paternal Grandfather's Father
Paternal Grandmother's Mother
Paternal Grandmother's Father
Maternal Grandfather's Mother
Maternal Grandfather's Father
Maternal Grandmother's Mother
Maternal Grandmother's Father
Paternal Grandfather
Paternal Grandmother
Maternal Grandfather
Maternal Grandmother
Father
Mother
Missing Person
Missing Person
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