Mary Louise Watkins, aged 54, was last seen on May 17, 1979, in Modesto, California. That day, a friend watched her pack her belongings into a car. Watkins told her friend she was moving to San Jose to live with her daughter, but she never arrived. Before her disappearance, Watkins had sold her home in Modesto and was carrying $28,000 in cash from the sale. She had informed her banker that she intended to invest the money in a property venture with a friend, but her daughter was unaware of either the sale or the supposed move.
Two days later, Watkins' car was found abandoned at what is now the Sutter Gould Medical Foundation in Modesto. None of her belongings were inside. Shortly after the car's discovery, Watkins' daughter received a letter from her, stating she had run away to get married. However, these conflicting accounts of her plans raised suspicion. Watkins had given different reasons to multiple friends about why she was leaving town, and foul play is suspected in her disappearance.
James Carlin Toliver, a suspect in multiple other disappearances, including his wife and two other women, is considered a key suspect in Watkins' case. Toliver died in 1980 of a heart attack after fleeing from the scene of another murder, further complicating investigations. Despite extensive efforts, Watkins has never been found, and her case remains unsolved.
Last Seen: May 17, 1979
