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 (MP8554) and 7 other sources
Kim Sue Leggett, a 21-year-old wife and mother, was last seen on October 9, 1984, outside the Ross Cotton Gin in Mercedes, Texas, where she worked as a secretary. Between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m., Leggett was seen speaking with two men near her car. Shortly afterward, her parents received a disturbing phone call demanding a ransom for her return. At first, they thought the call was a prank, but when they were unable to reach her at work, they grew concerned. Upon arriving at the cotton gin, her father discovered her car with her purse and keys still inside, but Leggett was gone.

In the days following her disappearance, the family received a ransom note demanding $250,000, written in what appeared to be Kim’s handwriting, though the envelope bore different handwriting. Despite extensive investigations, no one came forward with credible information, and the ransom was never followed up. Investigators eventually theorized that Kim had been murdered, although no body was ever found, and no suspects were definitively identified.

There have been various theories surrounding her abduction, including possible retaliation against her stepfather, Lefty Gardner, a pilot who was rumored to have refused to engage in illegal activities. Despite these speculations, no substantial evidence has been uncovered to confirm any theory, leaving her case unsolved to this day. Kim Leggett’s case remains an enduring mystery, with authorities suspecting foul play but lacking the necessary evidence to bring closure.

Last Seen: Oct 9, 1984

Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

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 — Texas
UP2986 • Found Apr 13, 2007
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Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 27–37 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 23 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 100%120 lb vs 110–120 lb
Hair 10%Black vs Blond
78%Possible
Jane Doe — Texas
UP3536 • Found Sep 21, 1999
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Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 29–34 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 95%29 mi away, same county
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 85%140 lb vs 110–120 lb
Hair 10%Black vs Blond
78%Possible
Jane Doe — Texas
UP3540 • Found Aug 4, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 23–24 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 95%29 mi away, same county
TimingFound 15 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 67%150 lb vs 110–120 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
77%Possible
Jane Doe — Progresso, Texas
UP9643 • Found Aug 20, 2010
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Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 100%5 mi away, same county
TimingFound 26 years after last seen
Height 84%5'4" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 67%150 lb vs 110–120 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
77%Possible
Jane Doe — Texas
UP3640 • Found Jul 26, 1997
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 27–32 vs 21 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'6"–5'8"
Weight 67%150 lb vs 110–120 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue

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.