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Marie Spannhake Missing Person Case

Last seen in Chico, California on Jan 31, 1976

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Victim Details

Nov 18, 2017

Oct 6, 2021

Marie

Spannhake

69

19

65 inches

110 lbs

120 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

Jan 31, 1976

Chico

California

Butte County

No

464

Chico Police Department

Chico

California

Butte County

95928

1460 Humboldt Road, California

5308974900

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.chico.ca.us/police/home_page.asp

197600575

Chico Police Department

Brown

Green

Green

Oct 8, 2026


Area Last Seen:

View Videos (2)

Marie Elizabeth Spannhake\'s Disappearance
The Tragic Murder of Marie Elizabeth Spannhake

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP40883) and 10 other sources
Marie Elizabeth Spannhake, a 19-year-old woman, went missing on January 31, 1976, in Chico, California. She had recently moved to the area from Cleveland, Ohio, to live with her fiancé, John Baruth. On the day of her disappearance, the couple visited a local flea market, where they got into an argument. Upset, Marie decided to walk home alone. She was last seen around 4:00 p.m. on Mangrove Avenue, but she never arrived at their apartment.

Marie was reported missing by her fiancé on February 2, 1976. Investigators found no signs of her departure, as all her belongings—including clothes and her toothbrush—remained in place at the apartment. Initially, John Baruth was considered a suspect, but after passing a polygraph test, he was cleared.

Years later, in 1984, a disturbing development emerged when Janice Hooker, the wife of convicted kidnapper Cameron Hooker, came forward. She confessed to police that she and her husband had abducted and killed Marie. Janice claimed they had picked up Marie as she was walking home and took her to their residence, where Cameron tortured and ultimately murdered her. According to Janice, they buried her body somewhere between Redding and Lassen Volcanic National Park, but despite efforts to locate her remains, Marie’s body has never been found.

Though the Hookers have not been formally charged with Marie's disappearance, her case remains unsolved, and foul play is strongly suspected.
Last Seen: Jan 31, 1976

Links to Additional Sources (10)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • What Happened to Missing Teen Marie Elizabeth Spannhake?
  • What Happened To Marliz Spannhake? Inside The Full Story
  • True story behind Unsolved Mysteries' Marie Elizabeth Spannhake ...
  • Marie Elizabeth Spannhake - California Department of Justice
  • 'Girl In The Box': What Happened To Marie Elizabeth Spannhake?
  • Chico missing person case featured as Netflix special | News
  • Marliz Spannhake | Unsolved Mysteries Wiki - Fandom
  • 'Unsolved Mysteries' Volume 3 Bonus Material - Netflix
  • What Happened to Marie Elizabeth Spannhake? True 'Unsolved ...
  • Marie “Marliz” Spannhake a.k.a.

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    79%Possible
    Jane Doe — California - unidentified case UP17572
    Jane Doe — California
    UP17572 • Found Oct 30, 1980
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 18–27 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 83%71 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'0"–5'5" vs 5'5"
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    78%Possible
    Jane Doe — Livermore, California
    UP14953 • Found Mar 1, 1978
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 19–21 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 67%141 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 2 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
    Weight 100%110 lb vs 110–120 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    76%Possible
    Jane Doe — Santa Rosa, California
    UP17490 • Found Jul 2, 1979
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 16–21 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 75%101 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'3" vs 5'5"
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    Jane Doe — Nevada City, California - unidentified case UP85674
    Jane Doe — Nevada City, California
    UP85674 • Found Jul 8, 1984
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 88%54 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 75%5'0"–5'8" vs 5'5"
    Hair 50%Blond vs Brown
    75%Possible
    Jane Doe — San Francisco, California
    UP5857 • Found Feb 20, 1979
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 14–25 vs 19 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 68%137 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
    Weight 38%162 lb vs 110–120 lb
    Eyes 50%Blue vs Green

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Marie Elizabeth Spannhake, 19, disappeared from Chico, California, on January 31, 1976. She had... ...Read More
    03/21/2024

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