Mary Knox Holman, 63, of Escambia County, Florida, disappeared in mid-2004 and has been listed as an endangered missing person. Those close to her said she kept regular contact, so her sudden absence alarmed friends and family. Her roommate was the last known person to see and speak with her. Shortly afterward, Holman’s driver’s license was found outdoors near Pine Forest Road and County Road 297; there was no sign of her at that location and she has not been heard from since.

Investigators focused on Richard Lee Hunter, a man who had been romantically involved with Holman. Hunter’s aunt reportedly told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that he had confessed to killing Holman. Law enforcement arrested Hunter after an extended standoff at his residence. Reports describe that Holman was allegedly strangled and buried in a shallow grave, and investigators documented what they believed were consistent physical findings, including apparent blood evidence, marks on a vehicle, and items of Holman’s inside the vehicle. Hunter was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, but Holman’s body has never been recovered.

Anyone who knew Mary or has information about her disappearance is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.