Claudia Darlene Shepherd, known also as Darlene, was 40 when she was last seen on August 13, 2001, in Zephyrhills, Florida. She dropped her four-year-old daughter at daycare that morning and spoke to her mother at 4:00 a.m.; she mentioned plans to have her car serviced that day. After the daycare drop-off she vanished and has not been heard from since.

Darlene had been in a troubled marriage with Earl Bamber, who had a lengthy criminal history including violent charges. In the months before her disappearance she filed for a restraining order and was planning to relocate to Texas with her daughter and brother. Earl initially told police she left in her car, then later said she left in an unknown vehicle; Darlene’s car and personal items remained at the couple’s home. Earl Bamber died in 2002.

No trace of Darlene has been found and the case remains open; family and authorities suspect foul play. If anyone knew Darlene, her movements on August 13, 2001, or saw her car that day, please come forward with information.