Tara Calico was a vibrant and active 19-year-old woman living in Belen, New Mexico, in 1988. She was a student at the University of New Mexico and was known for her love of biking, often seen riding her bicycle in the picturesque countryside. On the morning of September 20, 1988, Tara set out for her usual ride along NM 47, a rural road known for its scenic views.

The Disappearance

Tara left her home around 9:30 AM, telling her mother she would be back by noon. When she didn’t return, her mother, Patty, grew worried and began searching for her.

Hours later, after extensive searches of the area, Tara was declared missing.

Witnesses reported seeing Tara riding her bike around that time, but there were no confirmed sightings after she left home. The search for Tara involved local law enforcement, family, and volunteers who scoured the surrounding areas, but they found no sign of her.

The case quickly garnered significant media attention, putting pressure on investigators to find answers.

The Investigation

As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Tara’s disappearance was more than a simple case of a young woman going missing. The police received numerous tips and leads, including a report from a couple who claimed to have seen a young woman resembling Tara being forced into a truck shortly after she went missing.

Despite extensive searches and investigations, including aerial searches and the involvement of local search and rescue teams, no trace of Tara was ever found. Her family remained relentless in their pursuit of answers, distributing flyers and organizing search parties.

The Polaroid Photo

In 1989, nearly a year after Tara’s disappearance, a significant lead emerged. A Polaroid photo was discovered in a parking lot in Port St. Joe, Florida.

The photo showed a young woman who resembled Tara, bound and blindfolded, alongside a boy who appeared to be around 10 years old. This discovery reignited interest in Tara’s case, and her family firmly believed that the woman in the photo was Tara.

Despite attempts to verify the photo’s authenticity, investigators were unable to determine its origin or confirm the identities of the individuals in the image. The photo sparked widespread media coverage and speculation but ultimately led to no concrete leads.

I have to add that I saw a plethora of disturbing things in the military, including bodies, but this photo gives me the chills.

Theories and Speculation

Over the years, various theories emerged regarding Tara’s disappearance:

Abduction: The most prevalent theory is that Tara was abducted while out on her bike. Witnesses reported seeing a truck that may have been involved, but no suspects were identified.

Accident: Another theory is that Tara may have suffered an accident while riding, such as a fall that rendered her unconscious and unable to seek help.

Runaway: Some speculated that Tara might have chosen to leave her life behind, though her family strongly dismissed this idea, citing her close relationships and plans for the future.

Connection to Other Cases: Tara’s disappearance has also been linked to other cases of missing women in the Southwest, including that of 18-year-old Annette Schnee, who vanished in 1988 in Colorado, suggesting a possible serial abductor at work.

Ongoing Search for Answers

Tara Calico’s case remains open and active. Her family continues to advocate for her memory, participating in events and using social media to spread awareness about her disappearance. Tara was officially declared dead in 2006, but her family holds out hope for closure.

In 2020, Tara’s family was able to have her case featured on the popular true-crime podcast “Criminal,” which helped to raise awareness and encourage new leads. Tara Calico’s disappearance remains one of the most perplexing missing persons cases in American history.