Darrin Wayne Hale, 40, was last seen at his home near Warner and Lindsay in Gilbert, Arizona, on December 14, 2005. A text from his phone to his employer on December 17 said he was going to urgent care and would return to work in four days, but he never contacted his family in Texas again. His vehicle and all personal belongings, including clothing, remained at the residence he shared with his son.

Three weeks before his disappearance Darrin obtained an order of protection against his wife, Sharon Denise Hale, alleging she had followed and threatened him. Family members told police Darrin was upset after discovering Sharon had refinanced the couple’s home without his consent and, they say, forged his signature. Investigators later arrested Sharon and her father, Clarence Moton. Court filings say Moton confessed to stabbing Darrin in the chest and neck, dismembering the body, and gave inconsistent accounts about disposing of the remains. Sharon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Darrin’s body has not been recovered.

Did anyone who knew Darrin, his routines or the couple’s finances notice anything unusual in December 2005?