Disappearance of Amber Cates
2004 unsolved disappearance
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amber Elizabeth Cates, born February 3, 1988, in Columbia, Tennessee, disappeared on April 11, 2004, at age 16.[1] She has green eyes and blonde hair.[2]
February 3, 1988
Amber Cates | |
|---|---|
Missing poster from Federal Bureau Investigation | |
| Born | Amber Elizabeth Cates February 3, 1988 |
| Disappeared | April 11, 2004 |
| Status | Missing for 22 years, 4 months and 13 days |
| Height | 5.5 ft 0 in (168 cm) |
She was last seen leaving with a man in a gold Mazda. Amber planned to spend spring break with a relative but never arrived. Authorities initially classified her as a runaway due to her history, but the lack of contact or activity on her records raised concerns.[3] The man last seen with Cates reportedly dropped Cates off to another man, who claimed he dropped her off at a Columbia, Tennessee garage after purchasing hair dye. He was interviewed by authorities from a federal prison in Alabama.[4]
Investigations have provided no significant leads. Amber's half-sister, Brenda James, noted Amber's association with a risky crowd before her disappearance.[3] In 2017, her sister hired private investigators to work the case.[5] James has advocated for awareness about her sister's case.[4][6] The Federal Bureau of Investigation is involved in the case.[7] The FBI offers a $25,000 reward for information leading to Amber's recovery or prosecution of those involved.[8]
In March 2024, Maury County authorities announced a major lead, sending evidence for analysis.[9] Despite this, the case remains unsolved.