Karen Marie Mitchell was 16 when she was last seen in Eureka, California, on November 25, 1997. She had left the Bayshore Mall, where her aunt worked in a shoe store, and was walking about 0.75 miles to her job at the Humboldt Child Care Council. She never arrived and has not been heard from since.

A witness said Karen got into a light blue sedan, possibly a 1976–1978 Ford Granada or Mercury Monarch, driven by an older Caucasian man described as about 60 to 70, balding with gray or sandy blonde hair, green or gray eyes, a large nose that looked previously broken, and wearing glasses. That man remains a person of interest but no solid leads have emerged.

The case drew renewed scrutiny after it was reported that Robert Durst visited the aunt’s shop months after Karen disappeared; he was considered briefly but no charges were filed. Searches have been conducted around Eureka and the disappearance is discussed alongside other Humboldt County cases. Anyone with information about Karen’s movements that day or who may have seen that car is asked to come forward.