Retha Hiers, a 43-year-old woman from Largo, Florida, was last seen on December 28, 1982, when she left her home to buy laundry detergent. At the time, she lived with her husband and six children in the Breakers Apartments on Campbell Lane. Despite expecting to return shortly, Hiers never came back, and her family never heard from her again. In March 1983, her car, a white 1976 Ford Elite, was found abandoned in Clearwater, Florida, but no further traces of her were discovered.
Hiers had been involved in a complicated personal situation leading up to her disappearance. She had been romantically involved with Cleveland Hill Jr., a married asphalt contractor and former minister. Her relationship with Hill, a friend of the family, caused significant turmoil, especially after her then-boyfriend discovered the affair. Although Hiers claimed to have ended the relationship and later married her long-term partner, her letter to her husband after she vanished indicated she was leaving him for Hill. Despite this letter, she was never seen again.
Hill's name repeatedly surfaced in connection with Hiers' case, as well as the disappearances of two other women, Margaret Dash and Donyelle Johnson, both of whom had ties to him. Hill, who had a violent history—having previously shot his wife and mother-in-law—denied any involvement in the disappearances, and he was never formally charged. However, authorities suspect foul play, especially given the similarities in these cases. Hill maintained his innocence until his death in 2018.
Over the years, investigators have pursued several leads, including an excavation at a Largo property in 2022 based on tips, but no evidence or remains were found. Hiers' case remains unsolved, along with those of the other women linked to Hill, leaving lingering questions about what truly happened to them.Last Seen: Dec 28, 1982
