Ira Elizabeth Shaw was 15 when she vanished from Austin, Texas, on June 19, 1978. She was last seen about 5:00 p.m. leaving her summer job at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library on Red River Street and was supposed to walk to her aunt’s house to meet her mother but never arrived. Known as Liz or Ira-Liz, she was described as 5 feet tall, 120 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a large light-colored birthmark on the front of her right leg.

Very few details have emerged since her disappearance. No suspects or persons of interest have been publicly named and the case is classified as an endangered missing person. Law enforcement is asking anyone with information to contact the Austin Police Department; the case is also listed in missing persons databases to keep attention on Ira’s disappearance.

If anyone knew Ira, saw her on June 19, 1978, or has information that could help, please contact the Austin Police Department.