Vanished Without a Trace: The Haunting Case of Raylene Helsley

A Child Lost in Ruston

On January 5, 1983, twelve-year-old Raylene Susan Helsley disappeared from her home in Ruston, Louisiana. Living with her father, Raymond Helsley Jr., and her eight-year-old sister, Candace, Raylene's life was marred by a history of familial abuse. The events leading up to her disappearance paint a harrowing picture of domestic violence and a community left with unanswered questions.

The Morning of the Disappearance

The morning of Raylene's disappearance began with a dispute over a minor infraction—drinking a soda without permission. This led to a severe beating by her father, who used a PVC pipe and later a 14-inch silver pipe wrench, striking her with such force that the wrench broke. Candace witnessed the assault and later testified about the brutality inflicted upon her sister.

A Sister's Testimony

Candace's account was pivotal in the investigation. She recalled seeing Raylene lying immobile on the couch before leaving for school. Upon returning home, Raylene was gone. Their father claimed he had left Raylene alone for about an hour, during which he believed she ran away. However, this explanation was met with skepticism by authorities.

The Investigation Unfolds

Authorities found a broken silver pipe wrench and a pillow with traces of human blood in the Helsley home. Although the blood could not be conclusively identified as Raylene's, the evidence suggested foul play. Raymond Helsley Jr. failed two polygraph tests, with results indicating he had killed Raylene and disposed of her body within a 1.5-mile radius of their home. ...Read More

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