Ruth Ann Leamon, 16 years old at the time, disappeared on August 19, 1982, from Modesto, California. Ruth was living with a guardian so she could remain in her school district and continue attending Davis High School. On the day she vanished, she had made plans to meet two men in their thirties, whom she had recently met, at Sam’s Food City. She was last seen leaving her guardian's home around 8:45 PM, telling them she was heading to the store for a soft drink.
Ruth did arrive at the store, but she disappeared afterward. Her guardian, unaware of Ruth's absence, only realized she was missing the following morning. The two men she had planned to meet were questioned by authorities, but they denied any involvement, and no charges were filed against them. Ruth's case has remained unsolved for decades, with suspicions of foul play, though no concrete evidence has surfaced to confirm what happened.
Over the years, there have been connections made between Ruth’s disappearance and the notorious "Speed Freak Killers," Wesley Shermantine and Loren Herzog, who were responsible for multiple murders in the area during the 1980s and 1990s. Ruth had met Herzog at a local event, but there was no substantial proof linking her case to the killers' other known crimes. Despite extensive investigations and some media attention, including her picture being featured on milk cartons in the 1980s, Ruth has never been found, and her disappearance remains a mystery.
Authorities continue to investigate Ruth's case, with her family and the community holding out hope for answers. A reward has been offered for information leading to the resolution of the case, but to date, no new leads have surfaced.Last Seen: Aug 19, 1982
