Vanished Without a Trace: The Unsolved Disappearance of Rashell Hammond in Colorado's San Luis Valley

A Quiet Morning Turns into a Mother's Nightmare

On August 15, 2019, 30-year-old Rashell Elizabeth Hammond left her home in Mosca, Colorado, for what seemed like a routine walk. She departed without her phone, identification, medication, car, computer, tools, or even her beloved dog. Her mother, Cheryl Moretti, was out running errands at the time, unaware that this would be the last time she would see her daughter. Rashell had only been living in Mosca for about three weeks, having moved from Columbus, Ohio, with her mother in July 2019. The sudden and unexplained nature of her disappearance has left her family and the community searching for answers.

A Complex Personal History

Rashell, also known by her nickname "Ray," is of Cherokee descent and has a distinctive appearance, including a silver barbell in her nose and multiple tattoos, such as the phrase "Live Like a Lion" on her upper chest, a star behind her ear, a skull on the back of her wrist, stars on the inside of her forearm, and a cat with a bong on her shoulder. She suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had been prescribed medication for her conditions, which she left behind when she disappeared. Her mother described her as a very trusting person, which raises concerns that she may have accepted a ride from someone with ill intentions.

The Initial Search and Investigation

Cheryl Moretti reported her daughter missing to the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office on August 18, 2019, under the mistaken belief that she had to wait 48 hours before filing a report. The initial search included foot patrols, dogs, a helicopter, and SUVs, but no trace of Rashell was found. The case has changed hands multiple times within the sheriff's office, with Deputy Sheriff Ric Martinez taking over on October 18, 2021. Despite efforts, including checking homeless shelters and following up on tips suggesting Rashell might be in California or Massachusetts, the investigation has yielded little progress.

A Mother's Relentless Pursuit

Cheryl Moretti has remained vigilant in the search for her daughter. She has hired a private investigator, followed up on rumors, and even received texts from burner phones claiming Rashell was being sex trafficked in Massachusetts and California. Some of these leads turned out to be cruel hoaxes, including a photoshopped image of a woman resembling Rashell being held hostage. Despite the emotional toll, Moretti continues to pursue every lead, stating, "We're going to follow everything." She has also shared her daughter's photo on national platforms, including an appearance on "Dr. Phil," to raise awareness about the case....Read More

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