Erin Pospisil, 15, was last seen on the evening of June 3, 2001, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She had asked her parents if she could spend the night at a friend’s house, and around 8:45 p.m., a family friend, Curtis Padgett, gave her a ride to the location. When they arrived, Erin found that her friend wasn't home. As she turned to return to the car, a black two-door Chevrolet Cavalier with dark tinted windows pulled up.
Erin seemed to recognize the occupants, had a brief conversation with them, and then got into the car. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Initially, authorities classified Erin as a possible runaway, but her family and friends were adamant that she would not have gone so long without contacting them. Her disappearance remains unsolved, and foul play is now suspected. Over the years, there have been potential sightings, including one in 2002 in Cedar Rapids, but none have led to her recovery. Erin’s case continues to be a haunting mystery, with law enforcement and her family still seeking answers.
Curtis Padgett, the last known person to see Erin, remains under scrutiny, though no formal charges have been brought against him regarding her disappearance. In 2023, Padgett was charged in an unrelated murder case, but connections to Erin's case remain unproven. Investigators have also explored links to gang activity in both Cedar Rapids and Chicago, but Erin’s fate remains unknown. Despite these challenges, her family continues to hold out hope for closure.
Erin's case is still open, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cedar Rapids Police Department.Last Seen: Jun 3, 2001
