Catherine Parisi, a 26-year-old mother of two, was last seen in Cleveland, Ohio. She was working as a professional escort to support her family and was also attending trade school with aspirations of becoming a fashion buyer. On the evening of her disappearance, she had an appointment with a client in Parma, Ohio. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Catherine contacted the escort service she worked for to report that no one had answered the door at the address she was given.
This was the last time anyone is known to have heard from her. The following day, her 1991 Chevrolet Lumina was discovered in the parking lot of a shopping center on Pearl Road. Inside the vehicle were her keys and $350 in cash left in the console. An investigation into the client's phone call revealed that it was made from a pay phone at a donut shop in Cleveland.
The investigation into Catherine's disappearance continued for years, leaving her family with unanswered questions. Her daughters expressed their belief that the case did not receive adequate attention at the time due to their mother's profession. Just months before she went missing, Catherine had been the victim of a violent attack by a client, who was out on bail at the time of her disappearance. However, authorities could not find any evidence to connect him to her case. Foul play was suspected from the beginning due to the circumstances surrounding her vanishing. Her two young daughters were left in the care of her live-in boyfriend.
Decades later, a significant development brought renewed attention to the case. In April 2024, a grand jury indicted Michael Bukowski on multiple charges, including murder, in connection with Catherine's disappearance. The indictment was sealed until his arrest in January 2025. Bukowski was reportedly one of Catherine's clients and lived near her home at the time she went missing. Prosecutors revealed that they now have forensic evidence that links him to Catherine. Despite these charges, Catherine's body has never been recovered. The case against Bukowski represents a long-awaited step towards potential answers for Catherine's loved ones, who have endured decades of uncertainty. The overview of the case reflects a lengthy and complex investigation, highlighting the persistence of law enforcement and the enduring hope of a family for justice.Last Seen: Jul 18, 1997
