In the summer of 1987, a 43-year-old woman named Sandra Kay Runkle was residing in a program at a residential facility in Niagara Falls, New York. On the evening of June 22nd, at approximately 7:00 PM, she was seen leaving the facility. According to her case manager, Sandra took a taxi to Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, a location renowned for its stunning views of the falls. Tragically, that was the last time anyone reported seeing her. The following day, June 23, 1987, she was officially reported as a missing person. At the time of her disappearance, Sandra was described as a White female, standing at 4'11' and weighing between 170 and 185 pounds. She had brown hair and brown eyes.
When she was last seen, Sandra was wearing dark blue pants, a red and white flowered shirt, and white sneakers. She was also known to carry a tan purse. Investigators were made aware of several distinctive physical features that could aid in her identification. Sandra had noticeable burn scars on her left elbow, as well as on her fingers and arms, though the specific location on her fingers and arms was not detailed in the initial report. Additionally, she had stretch marks on her torso. These details, along with her clothing description, were circulated in the hopes that someone might come forward with information.
The investigation into Sandra Runkle's disappearance has spanned decades, yet her whereabouts remain unknown. Her case is a somber reminder of the many individuals who vanish without a trace, leaving behind families and friends to grapple with unanswered questions. The Niagara Falls Police Department has maintained her case file, and her information has been entered into national missing persons databases. The circumstances of her disappearance, particularly her last known destination being a popular and heavily visited tourist area, add a layer of mystery to the case. The overview of this case is one of a vulnerable adult who seemingly vanished from a public place, with no clear indications of what might have happened to her after she arrived at Prospect Point. The lack of witnesses and concrete leads has made this a challenging and enduring cold case for law enforcement.
Last Seen: Jun 22, 1987
