Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP27940) and 5 other sources
Sheila Cooks, an 18-year-old from Austin, Texas, was last seen on May 16, 1979. On the day she disappeared, Sheila left her family's home to attend a meeting with her probation officer. She had initially called her sister, requesting a ride, but when her sister was unable to help, Sheila decided to walk the two-and-a-half miles to her appointment. Sheila made it to the meeting but never returned home.

Sheila was one of ten children, and her family was close-knit. Her mother, who had been cooking her favorite meal, was shocked when Sheila never returned to eat it. Her family expressed disbelief that she would have simply left on her own, especially without any word to them. Over the years, they have grown increasingly convinced that she may have met with foul play, possibly at the hands of someone she knew.

Despite efforts from local law enforcement and the passing of decades, Sheila’s case remains unsolved, and her family still seeks answers. Her disappearance is considered an active cold case by the Austin Police Department.

Last Seen: May 16, 1979

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

78%Possible
Jane Doe — Fort Worth, Texas
UP123029 • Found Aug 22, 1980
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 12–20 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 60%174 mi away, same state
TimingFound 15 months after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'3"
Weight 66%120 lb vs 95 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
78%Possible
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP4625
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas
UP4625 • Found Dec 10, 1980
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 16–26 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 66%146 mi away, same state
TimingFound 19 months after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 22%135 lb vs 95 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Texas - unidentified case UP4065
Jane Doe — Texas
UP4065 • Found Jul 19, 1988
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 58%183 mi away, same state
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 84%5'1" vs 5'3"
Weight 100%94 lb vs 95 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.